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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County urging health insurance carriers to offer health insurance premiums at a discount because, as a result of Allegheny County's smoking ban, the overall health and well-being of residents in Allegheny County will greatly improve, and encouraging employers to choose those health insurance carriers that provide discounted rates.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny County has enacted a smoking ban which prohibits smoking in certain public places and workplaces, and provides for penalties for violations; and
WHEREAS, several studies have shown that smoking bans lead to a decrease in the prevalence of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked daily among workers; and
WHEREAS, only 6 months after a smoking ban took effect, a dramatic decline in acute cardiovascular morbidity was observed in Helena, Montana and Pueblo, Colorado; and
WHEREAS, while it is too soon to see any immediate effects of Allegheny County's smoking ban, research has shown that after a smoking ban takes effect, individuals either quit smoking or decrease their tobacco use thereby improving their health and lives; and
WHEREAS, a discount in health insurance premiums is warranted in Allegheny County now that a smoking ban will lead the way to a healthier workforce; and
WHEREAS, businesses can save on health care costs by choosing health insurance carriers that will provide lower health insurance premiums because of the overall health improvement to the residents of Allegheny County;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED that this Council recognizes that the overall health and well-being of residents in Allegheny County will greatly improve as a result of Allegheny County's smoking ban, and we urge health insurance carriers to offer health insurance premiums at a discount. Furthermore, this Council encourages employers to choose those health insurance carriers that offer discounted rates for Allegheny County residents improved health care outlook.