Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that raises the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack to fund state health coverage.

Highlights:

- Increases the tax per cigarette from $0.02775 to $0.04025 for an increase of $0.25 per pack of 20 (sec. 2). - Distributes revenue between the state general fund, the pension relief fund, the cigarette tax fund, and a new health coverage fund, which will fund the Health Coverage for Children Fund and the Health Coverage for Adults Plan (sec. 4). - Establishes the Health Coverage for Children Fund to provide insurance for Indiana minors (under 19 years of age) who are ineligible for Medicaid and who are uncovered [sec. 16 (art. 17.9)(2-6)]. - Establishes the Health Coverage for Adults Plan to provide insurance for Indiana residents 19 years or older who are uncovered and have an income at or below 100% of the federal income poverty level [sec. 16 (art. 17.9)(7)]. - Implements a pilot project that assists small employers in accessing health coverage for their employees [sec. 21 (e)].

Full Bill Text