http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22444.htmlIf you make big bucks — or enjoy alcohol, cigarettes and Coke — the government might hit you up to pay for fixing the nation’s health care system.
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee peeked into vending machines and liquor stores, company payrolls and health savings accounts, looking for a mix of tax increases and spending cuts as a way to pay for a health overhaul — which could cost more than $1.5 trillion over 10 years.
There appeared to be a bubble of support among the experts for taxing bad behavior, including a $2 tax on a pack of cigarettes and a higher excise tax on alcohol.
People who like the tax-free status of their company health benefits could be asked to ante up. Money in the pot: more than $700 billion over 10 years.
A panel of economists presented the committee with a menu of scenarios, from wringing savings out of Medicare and Medicaid to cutting medical costs by reducing sodium levels in packaged foods and at restaurants.
Smokes, Liquor, Soda, Junk food, and insurance. This is awesome, I love paying for the health care of others. Your welcome my fellow Americans and illegals, I'm going to have to pay more for a good time and enjoyment because you decide not to pay your bills. But it's ok, even though I earn a living and pay for college and a bunch of other things I'm going to share a bit more of the burden for you. o/\o
