### Human:\nis it true that in pennsylvania smokers will be charged an additional 50% on their premiums? . why isn't it considered a pre-existing condition the first year to give the smoker time to quit the terrible addiction?\n\n### Assistant: under the affordable care act insurers are allowed to charge smokers a 50% surcharge. some states (though unfortunately pa isn't one of them) have chosen not to allow this extra charge. the good news however is that if you agree to participate in a smoking cessation program you can offset higher costs. so there is an opportunity to quit and to avoid higher costs if you agree to try.