A UC San Francisco analysis found when smoking decreases, healthcare costs follow suit.
PLOS Medicine published the study's findings in its May 10 issue.
Here are five takeaways:
1. The analysis estimates a 10 percent decline in smoking would result in an estimated $63 billion reduction in total national healthcare costs the following year.
2. Researchers have found smoking causes cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease as well as pregnancy complications.
3. Reductions in smoking have significant short-term and long-term health benefits that work to lower spending per capita.
4. The study authors estimate California saved $15.4 billion on medical costs in 2009 because of the state's smoking rate.
5. By comparison, Kentucky spent $1.7 billion more on medical costs due to the state's higher smoking rate.
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