Should Smokers Pay More for Health Insurance Coverage  (12/26//2005)

Source: The National Journal Group

Most U.S. residents believe it is OK for smokers to pay more for health insurance coverage than non-smokers, according to a Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive poll released this week.

The online poll, conducted between Dec. 12 and 14, includes responses from 2,007 U.S. adults. According to the poll, 63% of respondents believe smokers should pay different health insurance costs than nonsmokers, compared with 58% in 2003. In addition, the poll finds that 62% respondents believe individuals who do not use seatbelts should pay different health insurance costs than those who do use seatbelts, compared with 53% in 2003.

The poll also finds that 57% of respondents believe heavy drinkers should pay different health insurance costs than those who drink alcohol in moderation or not at all. However, only one-third of respondents believe overweight individuals should pay different health insurance costs than those who are not overweight, and only 26% believe individuals who do not exercise should pay different health insurance costs than those who do exercise, according to the poll.

Overall, the poll finds that men are more likely to support different health insurance costs than women.