1. Obesity and smoking are both linked to numerous adverse health consequences, including heart disease, cancer, and strokes, among others. The Affordable Care Act permits health insurance companies to charge people higher premiums if they smoke or are obese. But the law forbids the companies from charging higher premiums or denying coverage to people who have suffered strokes or have heart disease or cancer.
2. Can you suggest a rational argument why the law might be structured this way?