Americans say smokers should pay more for health cover

According to a survey in the United States most people believe the health insurance system is in dire need of a fix; it is estimated that as many as 46.6 million Americans are uninsured.

The poll of around 1,500 people has found that about 60 percent are in favour of higher premiums for smokers and 30 percent believe the obese should also pay more.

The survey carried out on behalf of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the trade group for health insurers, found that 80 percent of adults want the government and the states to do more to extend access to coverage.

The Democrats as a rule support more government measures to help the uninsured than the Republicans.

The news come shortly after the Democrats won control of both houses of Congress and was followed by the health insurance industry unexpectedly offering it's support for a plan offering almost universal health insurance.

AHIP is proposing a $300 billion, 10-year plan to extend coverage first to the poor, and later to most adults.

The number of uninsured Americans has been steadily climbing for years, and it is estimated that as many as 46.6 million Americans are currently uninsured.

The figures have been affected by consumer demand and the escalating prices for prescription drugs and hospital care.

Already 20 percent of large employers are reportedly giving discounts to workers who do not smoke, and the non-smoker's discount is gaining in popularity.

The poll of 1,517 people conducted in July 2006 found consumers are however ambiguous on the role of the government and health insurance.

While two-thirds believe the government should move toward universal health insurance, 55 percent say the government's role should be limited to helping the poor, the unemployed and those otherwise unable to afford health insurance.

Fifty two percent of those polled were supportive of mandatory insurance, while 48 percent felt it should be left individuals to decide.

The poll suggests that the AHIP will receive support for key elements of it's plan from Americans across the political spectrum.

The AHIP plan includes strengthening the health care safety net, enabling all consumers to purchase health insurance with pre-tax dollars, providing financial assistance to help working families afford coverage, and encouraging states to develop and implement access plans.

The report is published in the journal Health Affairs.