Utah Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield) has introduced legislation that would require smokers on Medicaid to pay higher co-payments, according to a Salt Lake Tribune report.
The law, if passed, would be the first of its kind in the nation. The law could give smokers on Medicaid incentive to quit while helping control healthcare costs, Rep. Ray said.
The private sector has instituted similar sanctions. For instance, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare requires smoking employees to pay more for their healthcare premiums. Rep. Ray has yet to finalize all the details of his proposal, including surveillance protocols.
The law, if passed, would be the first of its kind in the nation. The law could give smokers on Medicaid incentive to quit while helping control healthcare costs, Rep. Ray said.
The private sector has instituted similar sanctions. For instance, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare requires smoking employees to pay more for their healthcare premiums. Rep. Ray has yet to finalize all the details of his proposal, including surveillance protocols.
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