Have you taken a look at the recently reauthorization bill of the State’s Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)?

Funding of SCHIP is to come from increased cigarette taxes.  I am not a smoker - but why do most health initiatives require putting a bigger tax on tobacco?

Shouldn’t funding of healthcare be paid for by everyone?

Highlights 

  •  The Senate’s bill would increase federal cigarette taxes by 61 cents.
  • The House’s bill would increase the taxes to 45 cents but makes changes to the Medicare Advantage program.
  • Coverage of  adults without children will be phased out after two years.  States can create a  requirement criteria for parents.
  • Coverage of pregnant women will be reduced starting 2011.
  • States need to create other aid programs in addition to SCHIP.