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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U.S. District Judge Orders California to Stop Medi-Cal Cuts
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