Obamacare 2013= Ultimate Sin Tax for Smokers, to get you to quit Cold-Turkey or wind up a Poor-Turkey.?

WASHINGTON - Here's a possible new cost for people with the cigarette habit.

Experts say millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties under President Barack Obama's health care law

The Affordable Care Act allows health insurers to charge smokers buying an individual policy up to 50 percent higher premiums starting next Jan. 1.

Key Features of the Affordable Care Act, By Year

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. The law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over four years and beyond. Use the links below to learn about what’s changing and when:

OVERVIEW OF THE HEALTH CARE LAW

2010: A new Patient’s Bill of Rights goes into effect, protecting consumers from the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Cost-free preventive services begin for many Americans.
See More 2010 Changes.

2011: People with Medicare can get key preventive services for free, and also receive a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the Medicare “donut hole.”
See More 2011 Changes.

2012: Accountable Care Organizations and other programs help doctors and health care providers work together to deliver better care.
See More 2012 Changes.

2014: All Americans will have access to affordable health insurance options. The new Health Insurance Marketplace will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans on a level playing field. Middle and low-income families will get tax credits that cover a significant portion of the cost of coverage. And the Medicaid program will be expanded to cover more low-income Americans. All together, these reforms mean that millions of people who were previously uninsured will gain coverage, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
See More 2014 Changes.

View the Interactive Timeline or view our Facebook Timeline to see what provisions are already in place and working for you.

A 60-year-old smoker could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of normal premiums.

Younger smokers could be charged lower penalties under rules proposed last fall by the Obama administration.  Workers with job-based coverage can avoid tobacco penalties by joining a smoking cessation program.

Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/obamacare-2013-penalty-could-keep-smokers-out-of-obamacare#ixzz2J2m6AIvo

How Much is the Government Making Off of Tobacco?

It’s no secret that the government taxes our spending– in fact, sales tax is one of the main ways that the government brings in money. But there are a number of other items that have their own additional taxes imposed, whether at the state or federal level. And, when it comes to cigarettes, the consumer pays both. Would it be right to call this a tax on one’s vice, or sin? While we don’t claim to be any moral authority, the figures and statistics are quite interesting.