Smokers face monthly surcharge
Tobacco users would start paying $25 in 2010
By Yvonne Wenger
COLUMBIA — For one in 10 South Carolinians, smoking just got even more expensive.
The Post and Courier/File
The state Budget and Control Board voted 3-2 on Thursday to impose a $25 monthly surcharge on tobacco users enrolled in the state's health-care plans.
The state Budget and Control Board voted 3-2 on Thursday to impose a $25 monthly surcharge on tobacco users enrolled in the state's health-care plans. The fee takes effect Jan. 1, 2010.
"I can't really blame them, to tell you the truth," said Anne Moseley, a Medical University of South Carolina employee and more than 40-year smoker.
Roughly 400,000 people are covered by the state plans, including 244,000 employees and their family members. The plans are available to teachers, state workers and local government employees, among others.
South Carolina becomes the eighth state to take such an action.
The surcharges could help make it less likely all employees might see a premium hike, although a $25 fee will only cover a fraction of the estimated $115 monthly cost to insure a smoker. The state health-care plans shell out $75 million a year on smoking-related illnesses.
Smoking surcharge
Beginning in January 2010, smokers covered by any of the state health plans and HMOs will be charged a $25 monthly surcharge. It also will be added if a family member covered by the policy smokes.
Those who don't smoke must sign an affidavit pledging such. The penalty for false information will be decided at a later date.
While Moseley said the surcharge won't make much of a difference, considering smokers pay around $30 for a carton of cigarettes, co-worker Kenneth Ford said he thinks it might prompt some to quit.
Ford, who kicked his more than 20-year habit nearly six months ago, said he agrees with the state's decision, especially because of the harm smokers can cause nonsmokers.
"That's a slap on the wrist," Ford said.
Gov. Mark Sanford raised the idea earlier this week as chairman of the Budget and Control Board. All five members of the board were in favor of the measure, but Sanford and Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom cast "no" votes on Thursday because they wanted to see the change made sooner.
Sanford said waiting so long to implement the plan seemed "somewhat bureaucratic." The counterargument was that it will take time to figure out all the details and to make sure all state employees are aware of the change.
"I always find it baffling how slow the wheels of government turn," Sanford said.
The roundup
Here's a look at the seven other states that have a smoking surcharge:
ALABAMA: (2005) $24/month
GEORGIA: (2005) $40/month
INDIANA: (2006) $500/year incentive for not smoking
KANSAS: (2008) $40/month discount for nonsmokers
KENTUCKY: (2004) $16.80/month for single coverage; $33.60/month for families
SOUTH DAKOTA: (2009) $60/month
WEST VIRGINIA: (2000) $15/month
The plan is still being sorted out but identifying smokers will have to be done largely on the honor system, as is the case in other states. Those enrolled in the plan would have to sign an affidavit pledging that neither they nor their family members smoke. A penalty for falsifying an affidavit has not been decided.
It is possible the surcharge might ultimately end up being more or less than $25.
Gary Matthews, chief operating officer for Alabama's State Employees' Insurance Board, said the honor system has worked pretty well there. Alabama began imposing a surcharge on smokers, now $24 a month, in 2005.
The threat for not owning up to smoking is mostly just that, a threat, Matthews said. Employees are warned that the state can run tests to check for nicotine (which is illegal in South Carolina) and those who get caught could be required to pay back previous surcharges or risk losing coverage, Matthews said.
States have been following the lead set by corporate America on the issue, but Charleston-based First Federal has a different approach.
Jerry Gazes, senior vice president for human resources, said employees are reimbursed for attending smoking cessation programs and receive cash incentives for completing annual medical surveys.
The company does not see individual results of the surveys, conducted by nurses, but they have proven to drive down the company's insurance costs by catching illnesses in the early stages, Gazes said.
The company, which was the first business in the state to go smoke-free in 1986, believes that surcharges and premium increases are counterproductive because they keep people from seeing doctors. That means higher medical bills down the line.
"We learned that a long time ago," Gazes said.
Jill Coley contributed to this report. Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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lemonhead (anonymous) says...
EXACTLY... Thomas,why just tax smokersssssss,what about the obese and people that kill themselves with alcohol and food i see more and more people that are wayyyyy heavy needing to go to docssssssssraise their insurance
August 15, 2008 at 4:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
Maybe they don't target obese people because the obese people usually have a fatal heart attack and die, while smokers usually die a slow and painful death due to lung cancer, requiring all kinds of chemo, radiation, oxygen tanks, etc.........
August 15, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ODIrony (anonymous) says...
I guess the old Federalist idea of the social contract is dead in the water. You remember? It was that we all contribute equally to the society to share equally in the benefits. That I might not have school aged children does not exclude me from assisting in the costs of maintaining a school system since educated people are a positive benefit to the society in general. Instead, in the 21st Century, we seem intent on the "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others." This apparently applies to benefits and obligations (read: taxes).
August 15, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mf105 (anonymous) says...
The article says it begins in 2010 , plenty of time to stop smoking
August 15, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I agree with you all, pretty much. I have tried to alert people here before now, probably poorly so, but again, it's just a matter of time before they come for you too for something...and we, like sheep, continue on our merry way.
August 15, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
It's just another money making scheme by the government, folks:
"The company [First Federal], which was the first business in the state to go smoke-free in 1986, believes that surcharges and premium increases are counterproductive because they keep people from seeing doctors..."We learned that a long time ago," Gazes said."
Why can't the government, ANY level of government, look at private industry ideas and try them? They're just looking for more money, that's why.
This is total BS...
August 15, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Something that was left out of this article for some reason.
Tobacco-related health care claims accounted for about 7 percent - $75 million - of state health insurance claims, according to the State Budget and Control Board.
24% of the people smoke, but only 7% of health care claims are tobacco related. You figure it out.
August 15, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JourneyOn (anonymous) says...
And not all smokers are expensive to insure or die of a smoke related death. The body's ability to handle nicotine is dependant on genetics. I come from a long line of smokers who lived to ripe old ages (90's) and died from other causes. We just seem to be engineered to smoke. and we have spouses who have lived with second hand smoke all their lives, do not have smoke related illnesses, and died of other causes. It's in the DNA.
I think this is a dangerous first path. This opens the door for other surcharges. how about a surcharge for people who drive cars because there is a car wreck out there just waiting to happen? A surcharge for cell phone users due to brain tumor risk. A surcharge for living in a home because 90% of all accidents happen close to home. and the list goes on and on and on.
August 15, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Thomas~
Don't know if someone ran you up side the head w/ a two by four, but you have been making sense lately. You are spot on..after they rape the smokers every way possible they are coming after the rest of us; ya suppose you could leave us boozers out of it though?
August 15, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
I dont smoke I am over weight charge me what ever you want
August 15, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
No ysilly if the go after the smoker and us porkers then the boozers have to be next no discrimination at all. It's all or none
August 15, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Southern_Cousin (anonymous) says...
If I was still covered under the State health plan, which used to have great benefits, but no longer has even a reasonably good coverage ( the quality of coverage has deteriated like all other policies, as insurers seek to maintain healthy cash flow at the expense of their clients), then ....
I would just lie and say I had quit. What are they gonna do, spy on me at home? Have tobacco cops?
I agree, this is an ugly precedent, much like the seatbelt law, which opened the door for all kinds of unwanted governmentally mandated intrusions into our personal lives.
What is the world coming to? I wring my hands in despair.
August 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devilsadvocate77 (anonymous) says...
LOOK SMOKERS...see the picture on this story with the smoke drifting away from the cigarette? When you can contain that into your own personal space, you can smoke all you want, anywhere you want. But I don't want that stinkin' smoke on me! I don't want my eyes to water, my throat to get irritated, my clothes and hair to smell like smoke. You can eat burgers and fries til your arteries become rock solid, drink alcohol til your liver becomes rock hard because they do not infringe upon my personal space. But when you turn your head and blow the smoke away from yourself or hold the cigarette at arms length away from you, then you are invading my clean air. Grow up smokers...its not cool to smoke anymore.
August 15, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Well.
I have worried about Thomas lately too, just as several others have posted. I am astonished at how much sense Thomas is now making! Maybe because you have quit ranting and focus on the issue, Thomas? Actually, everyone seems united in their opinions this a.m. Uh uh, does that mean this is the 'last day'?? Who'd ever thunk it?
Here's a new thought--a surcharge for every politician--there's a -possibility- they will drive drunk and embezzle, maybe even umm fornicate. (Can I say that here?) Politicians won't scream and kick too much cuz they know it's for their own good as well as for the common good, right?
August 15, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Grrrrr. devilsadvocate, I respect your rights and always have. I don't complain (any more, any way), but just comply--even though all the references about other 'bad unhealthy habits' have yet to be placed up there with nicotine.
How 'bout you grow up? I've reached 70, and I'd really like to blast many commentors who are younger and lack practical experience AND have all the RIGHT answers, according to them. I always heed granny's opinion for one, because I know without a doubt she's knowledgeable :) I respect CB--although younger than I--he's levelheaded, plus uses humor to ameliorate many things.
And now I'm gonna stop cuz I don't wanna become what I dislike. It's hard, you know.
August 15, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
devilsadvocate...with a screen name like that, you should be all for smoking...
August 15, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Remember, ya heard it here first. Next domino to fall...TOEJAM. Goldbond powder in every sneaker and odoreaters included; or everyone w/ toenail fungus can and will file a class action lawsuit!
August 15, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
So the state has healthcare plans, which has to be partially funded by tax payers dollars just like a regular business pays some of the cost for each employee. If this is so why wouldn't anyone living in SC be eligable for this same healthcare plan, I mean so many companies that don't have insurance to offer this could be an answer especially since our tax dollars fund a lot of this anyway not to mention help to pay for the uninsured too.
August 15, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MindBath (anonymous) says...
A group of adolescents are sneaking a smoke behind Mr. Bob's boat shed when suddenly Mr. Bob appears.
"You're not gonna tell our parents, are you?" asks one of the kids.
"No," replies Bob, lighting up a smoke, "as long as you don't tell my insurance company on me."
August 15, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
drp, you're talking about government health care...Do you really want to be like Canada and have to wait a year or more for a CT scan?
ysilly, AWESOME! I could get some free money with that lawsuit! Just took my shoes off...Think I'm...gonna pass out...
August 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
By the way nicotine can be detected so yes Southern_Cousin
They can ask for a test to determine if you are a smoker. Also no amount of perfume or such will mask the smell of cigarette smoke I am a former smoker I know. And just so you all know I am fat and if the put a sur-charge on my insurance I will pay it as well.
August 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Another bad idea to come out of a state board. It's just another attempt to legislate morality and make a quick buck for the state. Be very careful, today it's smokers tomorrow it could be you!!!! This one needs to go to the Federal Supreme Court.
August 15, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
DoaMM on August 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
drp, you're talking about government health care...Do you really want to be like Canada and have to wait a year or more for a CT scan?
DoaMM, it's a healthcare plan like Blue Cross etc. not like Canada's government plan, and our tax dollars are paying for the share that the employee does not pay unlike a regular business where the employer pays the share. And I see no reason since our tax dollars are being used for this why you or I can not get on the plan if we chose to. Seems to me with as many State employees that we have they are getting a good rate.
August 15, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
State employees pay those very same taxes as every citizen of this state, who pays taxes, pays.Then they still have to contribute to their health plan for treatment.
August 15, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
This is so stupid.I'm really tired of the gov't constantly trying to step in and mandate whats "right" or "wrong" to do.How about genetic testing to see what diseases you are predisposed to possibly get?How far could this go?You can't go into an establishment that allows smoking?Maybe we should administer IQ tests and background checks before insuring people.Everyone knows stupid people do stupid things.I'll tell you now they will not target the obese.Because it's not politically correct.But it's perfectly fine to target smokers.We all have choice.If you don't want to be exposed to smoke-avoid those places.Downtown completely screwed the pooch on this one.They banned smoking inside when people had a choice to go in or not.Now they forced smokers to stand outside and forcing people passing by to walk through clouds of smoke.How stupid is that?
August 15, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
Honestly? - As long as you smokers aren't blowing it in my face, I don't give a crap whether or not you want to deteriorate your lungs over time. Have at it!
August 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MissPriss (anonymous) says...
I think this is ridiculous.
August 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
Foresight versus hindsight. As our rights are slowly whittled away (and I am a non-smoker), I am reminded of the quote of Pastor Martin Niemoller, who lived under Hitler's regime:
"First they came for the Communists,
- but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out.
Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists,
- but I was neither, so I did not speak out.
Then they came for the Jews,
- but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out.
And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."
August 15, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
creative taxation, more to come due to the economic downturn in tax revenue
after all they couldn't possibly cut the pork out of govt to lessen the tax burden... which cousin would they fire??
August 15, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vesta (anonymous) says...
tripsa: For clarification of other readers, Niemoller was a U-boat commander during WWI, under the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm. During Hitler's rise to power, he vehemently opposed the nazification of the Protestant church and, for his role in this, he was incarcerated and spent the duration of pre-WWII and WWII (1937-1945) in Sachsenhausen and Dachau.
August 15, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
I don't get it. What's the issue about over your screen name?
August 15, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
Why not give most of the money donated to the fire dept and let them spend it as they see fit my guess is the Jerry Lewis foundation would make out well and maybe buy some needed things for the station. Give some money to the families directly effected that have kids under 18 living at home and no money to any families that have participated in the greedy lawsuits.
August 15, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
I am a libertarian so I am against just about all intrusive actions..by the government or allowed by the gov'ment. I am not pointing out the following because I support the topic of this article. Frankly, I am not sure what I think about it yet.
With that said, I must comment that comparing smoking to other "potential" vices or habits is not the best argument against this surcharge.
Health wise, there is not one single redeeming or positive quality about smoking cigarettes. There is not even a potential &/or SMALL healthful benefit to this activity..even if done in moderation. It is never good. It always has a negative(abusive) effect on the body.
On the other hand:
Food, we need. Only under certain circumstances does it result in negative health effects. Even occasional over indulgence does not create long term detriment.
People ride motorcycles every day without incident(i.e, end up the day as healthy as they started it.)
Alcohol in moderation can be beneficial..especially beer & red wines. Only when abused does it result in bodily 'abuse'.
I could probably think of other examples, but my point is that the argument against this surcharge will have to stand on its own to be effective.
Comparing smoking to other activities which carry only a POTENTIAL for harm or risk will probably weaken any argument against increasing taxes, insurance premiums, et. on it.
August 15, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
ooops wrong story.dang too much coffee.
August 15, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
What do you mean by suspended? Sorry, I'm confused in what they think you actually did. What story did all this originate from?
August 15, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Dread_Pirate_Roberts just let it go.Ignore it.Who cares if someone thinks your someone else?Ive received threatening emails before.I just warned everyone and let it go.And the person who emailed me wished me dead like the person in the article.But if I went on and on and back and forth it wouldve wasted my time,my fellow posters time and energy.Don't sweat it.I could care less if you are archdude or mickey mouse.Post away and enjoy :)
August 15, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
I agree with coolfreaknbeans. If you are what you say, I would just make a new screenname and start over fresh. This drama will go on forever if you keep responding. They're only pushing your buttons. Who cares if other posters think you're someone else. You know you're not and that's all that really matters. I've enjoyed reading your posts on stories for what it's worth.
August 15, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
Tripsa, what was the original fight between Gadsden and Archdude to begin with? Reading their posts in the pasts, I thought they were both pretty cool dudes.
August 15, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
who cares who's who, just delete the emails instead of reading them Dread....
I use one and only one screen name, I don't what's up with ppl that use more as if they think they are tricking someone... and I don't care, if your that whimpy so be it :/
August 15, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
here here jammer
August 15, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
DoaMM = tripsa = Tammie = jammer = usna04 = blah, blah, blah...
Who CARES! We're all Americans, well, maybe not Tammie [:)], but we all post here.
Be nice. Be civil. Behave.
Oh, and I smoke...With new legislation like this I guess I should sell my house and move into a trailer park like the government deems I should.
At least it would be easy to move...just slap the wheels on and go!
August 15, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
thanks for the update tripsa!
and be careful. I hear smoking is bad for you. :)
August 15, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
usna04 (anonymous) says...
eww Skoal!!! I had friends who would spit it in an empty plastic bottle. Yick! I don't plan on ever smoking. My granddaddy died from it.
Have a good one yourself!
August 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
338 billion a year on illegal immigrants healthcare and numerous other benefits, yet you want to go after the smokers?
Dennis leary said it best in the movie "Demolition Man", rent it!
August 15, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
[A]ccording to Cocteau's plan, I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think, I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech, and freedom of choice. I'm the kinda guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder, "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecue ribs with the side-order of gravy fries?" I want high cholesterol! I wanna eat bacon, and butter, and buckets of cheese, okay?! I wanna smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section! I wanna run naked through the street, with green Jell-O all over my body, reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly may feel the need to, okay, pal?
August 15, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MMitchum (anonymous) says...
Freedom of Choice is going out the window: can't smoke, can't where saggy pants,..where does it end. In the ins. application it ask if you are a smoker...if you smoked years ago, and you quit for lets say 5 years and had some kind of smoke related illness later...then you will fight the insurance company on have you stopped or not. Our politicians have nothing to do looks like. If you don't work for a state facility your ins. goes up because someone may have other illnesses so they charge the whole company for anyone at risk...check this out on group policies.
August 15, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
Welcome back arch.
Glad to see that you have taken your medication :)
Please refrain from calling me a cooter-rot infested horse's ass in the future and I will refrain from referring to you as 'archdouche.' I'm being friendly, at least.
On the topic at hand:
Mental note to self: Cancel state policy before 2010.
August 15, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
I think everyone was being a little harsh yesterday.
New day, new topics. Just play nice.
Who's going to the protest with me?
August 15, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
558? What the hell trip?
Those are personal #s that have nothing to do with commies!
doo dee doo dee doo dee doo dee (supposed to be Twilight Zone music)
August 15, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yes, why HAVE they taken down all of the comments on the Drayton article?
August 15, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
COLDESTBEER (anonymous) says...
smokers raise the cost of health care because of their foul habit. I adds to health care costs for our nation, ALMOST as much as all the fat people do, with all the associated costs that obesity inherently adds to our national health care crisis
August 15, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
Arch that was not me rallying anyone...that Chargirl... get your insane Sh!t striaght and be somewhat accurate...take you Bi Polar meds...
August 15, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
First of all arch I meet with no one from this sight and advised others about it long before you did. In fact it was during the time jonsey was booted. You have proven yourself to be unstable many times and your track record proves it. Many posters here will atest to the same....
August 15, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
COLDESTBEER (anonymous) says...
hey coldbeer,, there is a "surcharge" on my Harley,, it is called insurance and I pay for it myself, it is not subsidized by the county, state nor nation. Riding my bike is as dangerous as smoking my cigarette, should we tax bikers , too?
Heck driving a car is dangerous as well,,
Heck RADON gas is seeping from the Earth below me,, should I be TAXED on that hazard as well.
August 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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