Molson Hart

Looks like this country may drift towards universal healthcare. The idea that regular smokers would be able to partake is incomprehensible to me. I wouldnt give smokers free healthcare at $30/pack in sin taxes - just too costly to treat lung cancer.

Many studies actually point that smokers might be cheaper to the healthcare system (dying earlier = less time on healthcare and avoinding late care costs, which are the most expensive)

Interesting, did not know that. If they die earlier they also pay fewer taxes no?

Not necessarily, if its still after the pension age. Also, how do you track who is a smoker? Currently the health insurance industry collects maybe a quarter of healthcare costs or so to make you tick a box on a questionnaire...

A test like they have for MJ or other drugs? What do you mean?

You can always claim second hand smoking. Plus then the test has extra costs. I mean currently the insurance company ask you whether you're a smoker or not when they give you a plan. I assume if you tick smoker the plan is more expensive? I could be wrong though.

I don't know. I'm not sure people who regularly expose themselves to second hand smoke in the USA ought to be insurable either.

It all depends on the circumstances right? What if you were exposed before the ban on restaurants etc. I kind of agree with the sentiment that its freeriding but in practice it could be the cheapest to just drop the complexity.