Medicare premiums for smokers
In some instances I know that smokers are charged higher medicare premiums. This was established because the medical needs of smokers are considered to be very high, and expensive for a publicly funded insurance.
I was wondering today if senior who chose no to be vaccinated against COVID may also have very expensive health needs. What is the logic for charging smokers higher premiums, but not charging non-vaccers? I'm not giving an opinion, but it might be interesting to debate. I try not to judge others. Should there be a penalty for one, and not the other. One has an addiction, and can't easily stop smoking. One just doesn't want to receive a vaccine against a highly contagious, and deadly virus. Where does stigma fit in?
Hi Anne, I'm not sure that I have heard any conversations regarding higher premiums for those that don't have the vaccine. It definitely would be an interesting debate. Thanks for sharing! All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, Team Member).
It's an interesting question, and there are probably a lot of opinions. I'm sure it could illicit some high-spirited debate. April - COPD.net Team 
Hi.
Great topic you bring up here. It would be interesting to hear what others have to say on this topic. And as April noted above, I am sure there are lots of interesting opinions here. And this is something I think about as I am caring for the people who get COVID pneumonia and end up in a hospital. I bet the cost is quite enormous for insurance companies, especially for those who end up on ventilators. Would insurance companies be able to legally charge someone more for not doing something such as getting a vaccine? Perhaps, or one would hope, as more data comes out about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID vaccines, this will no longer be an issue. John, I think whatever happens sm
I don't know how current this is, but it does list states that don't allow insurance companies to charge 50% more for smokers. It is a way for insurance companies to make more money. I understand the ACA made this possible. Maybe they wouldn't get a backlash from the public, but would if they made the unvaccinated pay even 15% higher premiums. I guess I like to include everyone. With the thought of universal healthcare becoming more popular, I don't know if there will be more groups who will pay higher rates. I wonder.
https://www.healthmarkets.com/content/smoking-and-health-insurance
