Raise Tobacco Taxes to Fund Health Care Programs

Montana Ballot Measure - I-185

Election: Nov. 6, 2018 (General)

Outcome: Failed

Categories:

Entitlements and the Safety Net
Health and Health Care
Government Budget and Spending

Measure Text


I-185 raises taxes on all tobacco products, amends the definition to include e-cigarettes and vaping products, and dedicates funds. Taxes are increased by $2.00 per pack of cigarettes for a total tax of $3.70 per pack. Taxes on moist snuff increase to the greater of 83% of wholesale or $3.70 per 1.2 ounces.
The tax rate increases by 33% of the wholesale price for all other tobacco products including new taxes on e-cigarettes and vaping products. I-185 eliminates the sunset date for expanded Medicaid services for certain low-income adults, which otherwise ends June 30, 2019. I-185 dedicates a percentage of these increased tax revenues for: certain health-related programs, including some of the costs for Montana's current Medicaid program; veterans' services; smoking prevention and cessation programs; and long-term care services for seniors and people with disabilities.
New revenue from increases in tobacco taxes will generate $74.3 million per year by 2023. Revenues may decline as fewer people use tobacco. The State must pay a percentage of the cost of the extended Medicaid services, which increases from 6.77% in 2019 to a cap of 10% by 2021.

Yes ( ) No ( )

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