Medicaid program mulls fees for obese, smokers, diabetics

Looking to squeeze more savings out of its Medicaid program, the state of Arizona, is considering imposing fees on enrollees who smoke or are obese or diabetic, reports CNN Money. A $50 fee would be imposed on childless Medicaid enrollees who smoke. A similar fee would be imposed on enrollees who are obese or diabetic and do not follow physician guidelines for losing weight and improving their health. 

The proposal would require approval by the Arizona Legislature, which is seeking about $500 million in cuts to the state's Medicaid program in order to close a $1.5 billion budget gap. It would also require approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. - Article