UT legislator wants smokers to pay more than non-smokers who are on Medicaid

SALT LAKE CITY - Should smokers on Medicaid have to pay more than non-tobacco users?

A Utah lawmaker says yes. State Rep. Paul Ray is proposing a bill that would mean a higher co-pay for smokers in Utah who use Medicaid.

Ray says smokers on Medicaid cost Utah more than $100 million every year. 

The American Lung Association disagrees with the proposed bill, saying it punishes smokers and does not encourage quitting.