Thank You for Smoking

Hoosier smokers will subsidize a major state health insurance program, as well as other health care improvements, under a bill approved late Sunday by the Indiana General Assembly.


Sin tax.

I like it.

People who earn $20,420 a year, and families of four who earn $41,300 a year, would be eligible. The program is not an entitlement, which means it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

So, those who are eligible actually have to take the initiative to sign up for the plan.

Wonder how many will fail to put forth the effort to sign up?

Those who participate will receive three levels of insurance. First will be $500 in free preventive care per year such as mammograms and annual checkups. Then the state and the participant will contribute, depending on income, to a $1,100 health savings account for medical expenses such as prescription drugs. The final component would be annual coverage worth a maximum of $300,000.

I like it.