Healthcare hypothetical

[canetoad]

Seven, eight, nine years ago the Aussie government decided to impose a tax on tobacco that automatically increased twice a year at a predetermined amount. Not sure of the details, but I think it was around 10%.

At the time, I was a tobacco smoker, on a fixed income. Each half yearly price rise hurt me more and more. In 2020 a pouch of tobacco, papers and filters went up to $140, a pack of cigs around $60.

I gave tobacco up in October 2020. Lifetime smoker, haven't looked back. It was a choice between smoking and paying my bills.

I was angry and resentful at the time, but yes, the government strategy of pricing people OUT of smoking worked. I needed to admit to myself that I have almost unlimited free healthcare and my responsibility is to do what I can not to put a burden on that healthcare system.

Strangely, there was a little agitation in Oz but not much. Maybe most people accepted that it was time to give up ciggies. That's the compromise we accept for having universal healthcare - a restriction in our ability to smoke tobacco.

I can live with that.

[Phoenix61]

1. I was in Singapore a year ago.

Outside of a huge office/shopping area was a tiny little square smoking area in the middle of the public space. People were crammed into this little area marked out by yellow paint lines. It seemed obvious they were going for public shaming.

[malaise]

2. The government was correct

They should not use tax payer money for our unhealthy and dangerous choices.

[brer cat]

3. Good for you!

I quit after decades of smoking. It's never easy, but having financial incentives helps.