Government

Florida tobacco tax increase to benefit state Medicaid program

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 15, 2009

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Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on May 27 signed a $1 per-pack cigarette tax increase, bringing the state's tax to $1.34. The hike, effective July 1, is expected to raise about $850 million in its first year for the state's Medicaid program. The money would go toward physician services, long-term care, hospice services, prescriptions and prepaid health plans, among other areas, according to Tiffany Vause, spokeswoman for the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The agency runs the state's Medicaid program.

The Florida Medical Assn. supported the bill, as did the American Cancer Society. "This will reduce smoking and save lives," said Marty Larsen, board chair and president of the cancer society's Florida division.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/06/15/gvbf0615.htm.

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