the affordable care act does allow insurers to charge smokers a 50% surcharge because of their tobacco use. that can amount to a large increase -- potentially thousands of dollars -- in the cost of health insurance for smokers. and the tax credits available to help lower the cost of insurance premiums cannot be applied to offset the smoking penalty. however insurers do have flexibility in how this surcharge is applied and some states have banned the practice meaning insurers selling in vermont and washington dc for example won't be allowed to charge smokers more for their insurance plan (you can check with your state's department of insurance to learn the law where you live). in addition the law does require insurers to cover treatments that help smokers quit. most employers make smoking cessation programs available as well. and under the law's regulations insurers will not be allowed to charge you the full surcharge if you enroll in a smoking cessation program.
if i'm a smoker under the affordable care act will i have to pay more for health insurance?