States Can Choose Not to Impose ObamaCare Smoking Penalty
The smoking penalty that is tacked on to ObamaCare’s Health Care Exchange is imposed if the state you reside in defaults to the federal Exchange, however, as DC has proven, a state or district Exchange can opt out of charging penalties for the new “metal” plans: Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan.
Penalties run as high as $5,000 per year for a 60 year old smoker -this fee is on top of the premium. The smoking penalty has been a bit controversial because a recent study stated that smokers health care may actually cost less than a non-smoker. Click to read more about ObamaCare smoker’s penalties and studies on smoker’s healthcare costs.
D.C. has proven that each state or district has an option to impose the penalty. The D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority board implementing the guaranteed issuance aspect of the Healthcare Exchange is requiring providers to offer insurance at the same price for smokers as non-smokers. This is important for the district because 20% of their residents are smokers. Dr. Mohammed Akhter, the chair of the D.C. board, said, “Charging significantly more for health insurance is in direct conflict with our efforts to help people quit smoking.”
To learn if your state is imposing the smoking penalty with the new “metal” plans call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage for assistance.
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