Bill To Ban Medicaid For Smokers Fails

Rocky Mountain News reports:

A state Senate committee this morning snuffed out a bill that would prevent smokers from receiving Medicaid coverage.

Sen. Ron Teck, R-Grand Junction, called smokers a drain on the public health care system and urged lawmakers to hold them accountable for their personal choice to light up and fill their bodies with a harmful substance known to cause cancer and tobacco-related illnesses.

"If someone chooses to smoke, the taxpayer should not be left holding the tab for their choice," said Teck, sponsor of the controversial measure.

Senate Bill 101 would ban the state from paying for treatment for tobacco-related head, neck injuries or lung cancer through programs administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Department of Public Health and Environment.

It appears not everyone is for real incentives to promote anti-smoking.