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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
January 2007 |
Governor introduces plan for a healthier Indiana by raising cigarette tax at least 25 cents a pack
"Indiana can't be a healthy state with the second highest rate of smoking in the country."
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INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mitch Daniels proposed on Nov. 17 a simple yet innovative health plan that would provide health insurance coverage for more than 100,000 Hoosiers, reduce smoking rates - especially among kids - and immunize more Indiana children. The health initiatives would be funded by an increase in the state's cigarette tax.
Support for the plan already has been expressed by a number of organizations, including the Indiana State Medical Association, the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Methodist Hospitals (Gary and Merrillville), Clarian Health, the Indiana Tobacco and Cessation Prevention Executive Board and the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition, where more than 70 United Methodist congregations participate to eliminate tobacco from Indiana. U.S. Secretary of the Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt also applauded the governor's idea.
The Governor's Plan for a Healthier Indiana would lead to:
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Protection of children from the dangers of smoking and other diseases,
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Preventive care for more Hoosiers,
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Peace of mind for thousands of Hoosiers who currently have no health insurance and
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Personal responsibility to take control of health care decisions
"Indiana can't be a healthy state with the second highest rate of smoking in the country, and we can't lower our smoking rate when we sell some of the cheapest cigarettes in America," said Daniels.
Specifically, the governor has proposed a plan that would:
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Initiate an aggressive smoking cessation and reduction campaign, aimed especially at reducing the number of kids who smoke. The plan would provide $24 million more annually to the Indiana Tobacco and Prevention Cessation Trust Fund (IPTC) for local tobacco cessation and reduction programs. This amount, plus the current budget of $11 million, would bring IPTC funding to the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
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Assure that children are fully immunized by age 2 with $11 million to expand access to vaccinations.
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Establish a program that offers health insurance to 100,000 or more low-income Hoosiers.
Funded by increase in cigarette tax
The plan would be funded by an increase in the state's cigarette tax - which is currently 55« cents per pack and the 36th lowest rate in the country - and a variety of federal funds. The governor suggested an increase of at least 25 cents, but will ask the legislature to determine the precise amount. The number of uninsured who could receive coverage would go up dependent upon the size of the cigarette tax increase. With a 25-cent increase, it is estimated up to 120,000 people could receive coverage. With a 50-cent increase, about 200,000 could receive coverage.
"We've balanced the budget already through spending reductions and no tax increases. That will continue to be our approach," said Daniels. "Any new proceeds should go to promote the health of Hoosiers and for no other purpose."
The governor's three-part health insurance coverage plan would help Hoosiers who can least afford coverage. It would be available to those who earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level and who are without employer-sponsored health insurance.
"Everyday, Hoosiers all across Indiana are worried about how a health event they are not prepared to deal with financially could turn their lives upside down," said Daniels. "This plan is a start to give many more people protection and peace of mind while fostering more personal responsibility to make good decisions."
An estimated 14.3 percent of Indiana's population, more than 550,000 individuals, currently has no health insurance, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
Where the money will come from
To provide coverage to 120,000 Hoosiers, the total cost would be about $480 million, and would be paid with these funds: $95 million of cigarette tax proceeds, $80 million of individual contributions, $50 million from the Disproportionate Share Hospital Program (DSH) and $255 million in expected federal funds.
If the cost of cigarettes was raised by 50 cents per pack, coverage could provided to about 200,000 people using $172 million from cigarette tax revenue; $132 million from individual contributions, $50 million DSH and $446 million in expected federal funds.
If the plan receives approval by the General Assembly, the proposed effective date would be January 1, 2008.
Daniels announced that this plan will be introduced into the Indiana State Senate by Senator Patricia Miller of Indianapolis. She is a member of Old Bethel United Methodist Church.
Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition
More than 70 United Methodist congregations statewide have already signed a Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition (HF&HF) petition calling for a 50-cent increase in the cigarette tax, full funding of ITPC and support of local ordinances banning smoking from workplaces such as restaurants.
Earlier this year, the North Indiana Conference meeting at Lafayette in June approved the HF&HC resolution but edited out the increase in cigarette taxes.
HF&HC has more than 400 participating congregations across Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups and will probably push for a dollar increase in the cigarette tax. The higher the tax, the more lower-income Hoosiers will benefit.
A copy of the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition Resolution to be signed by your congregation can be found on the Indiana Area UMC Web site at www.inareaumc.org. Click on "Join the Indiana Anti-smoking Campaign."
Leaders of faith communities, both pastors and laity, are invited to a complimentary Show Your Faith for Healthy Kids Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 24 beginning at Noon at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. Space is limited. For reservations call 317-472-1055.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008