Health & Wellness

Health and business leaders called on the legislature Tuesday to support House Bill 1380 at a rally.

The bill would increase the age for buying cigarettes to 21 and add a $1.50 tax per pack of cigarettes.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar spoke at the Raise It For Health rally. He says the state’s smoking habit costs employers three weeks a year in lost productivity for smoke breaks and nearly $3 billion in health care expenses.

State lawmakers are again weighing in on CBD oil. It was sold in many stores – over the counter – but the hemp extract is only legal for those with treatment resistant epilepsy. Legislators are considering a number of bills to increase access to the substance.

Indiana senators heard testimony for two measures concerning CBD or cannabidiol oil. Sen. Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) says one bill clarifies sale of the oil and the other legalizes its use more broadly.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced it will support state policies that require people to work for their Medicaid coverage. Ten states —including Indiana and Kentucky — have submitted proposals to add a so-called work requirement to their Medicaid plans.