Health Care Myth

[MTV]

Just an interesting article from the NEJM about the Smokers Health Care Myth.

MMS: Error

 

[rothenbj]

That's not the first study indicating that societies costs are increased by smokers. The claims by the antis are seriously flawed. This study demonstrates an overall increase in medical costs for non-smokers, but if you add the additional social security costs and pension costs, "healthy living" has its price tag to society.

 

[Vocalek]

And when you add in the fact that many state governments are addicted to cigarette taxes, you get an even greater overall cost to society if smokers stop buying tobacco.

 

[MattZuke]

And when you add in the fact that many state governments are addicted to cigarette taxes, you get an even greater overall cost to society if smokers stop buying tobacco.

That's what I get when ever I crunch the numbers. The claim smokers cost state health care dollars from my observation never comes close to what is gained with taxes, plus the Master's Settlement.

 

[Ande]

Thank you to the New England Journal of Medicine. THIS is what I'm thinking about when I hear about how much it costs "society" for smokers to smoke.

As other posters have rightly pointed out though- this article only considers bottom line health care costs.

Outside of the scope of the study is all the money that smokers "donate" to the government, in the form of exorbitant cigarette taxes. And of course the taxes paid by big tobacco.

And of course the MSA.

I'm thinking of having t-shirts made reminding people that it's their patriotic duty to smoke.

Best,
Ande

 

[Vocalek]

I'm thinking of having t-shirts made reminding people that it's their patriotic duty to smoke.

Best,
Ande

To be worn on the day of The Great American Smokeout (the existence of which we we e-cigarette users were totally unaware until yesterday when we were taught about it by Dr. Deyton). See: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/legislation-news/249012-reply-fda.html

 

[rothenbj]

"And of course the MSA"

Now I wonder who pays for those costs?

 

[Ande]

"And of course the MSA"

Now I wonder who pays for those costs?

(Raises hand)

I know! I know!!

I DO! Wait, no, I don't. But I did when I smoked!

Ande

 

[rothenbj]

Yes Ande, I think you might have it. The money goes to a good cause though. In fact it goes to many good causes. Smokers should be proud of their contributions to society. Now if we could only get the soda drinkers and fast food eaters interested in civic pride.

 

[Ande]

Coming up soon, us harm reduction types will also have the chance to fund special education.

If we were all independently wealthy, this would be fine...


Ande