Funding for Long-Term Care Programs
Funding Health and Long-Term Care: A Survey on Increasing Kentucky's Cigarette Tax
Research Report
Susan L. Silberman, Ph.D., AARP Knowledge Management
October 2003
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AARP in Your State: KentuckyLike most states across the nation in 2003, Kentucky is in the midst of an economic downturn. State tax revenues have fallen sharply, while costs are mounting, especially for health care, resulting in a $400 million dollar budget shortfall. State officials responded with across the board budget cuts, including $250 million of health and long-term care under Medicaid, and more cuts are expected in 2004.
At the time of this survey of Kentucky residents age 18+, the state tax on a pack of cigarettes was 3 cents, the second lowest in the country and last increased in 1970. States surrounding Kentucky have average cigarette taxes of approximately 43 cents per pack.
Of the 815 residents surveyed...- 59 percent think there is not enough money in the state
budget to meet the need for health and long-term care services
and ensure quality
- 95 percent say it is important for Kentucky to restore money
that was cut from health and long-term care services under
Medicaid
- 70 percent support increasing Kentucky's 3-cent per pack
cigarette tax to 28 cents to generate money for health and
long-term care services, and are evenly divided over increasing
it to 78 cents
- 45 percent would be more likely to vote for a candidate for state office who supports increasing Kentucky's cigarette tax to generate money for health and long-term care services while 10 percent would be less likely to vote for a candidate taking this position
The survey was conducted between October 1 and 7, 2003 by Woelfel Research, Inc., and the report prepared by Susan L. Silberman, Ph.D., of AARP Knowledge Management who may be contacted for further information at 202/434-6339. (15 pages)