I am writing in response to the Sun Journal editorial addressing smoking and MaineCare recipients (Dec. 19).

I want to set the record straight. The American Lung Association of Maine is not in favor of penalties for MaineCare beneficiaries who smoke. We agree that Sen. John Martin’s proposed legislation will trigger a lively and overdue debate on the best way to reduce smoking rates among MaineCare recipients. But we are not aware of any evidence that creating barriers to care for those who continue to smoke is an effective strategy.

On the other hand, there is a large body of scientific evidence to show that if you increase barriers to health care for any group, you simply delay the early treatment of health problems until they are more complicated and even more costly.

Without careful deliberation and health policy based on evidence, not emotion, serious harm can be done to thousands of Maine people who already face enough daily challenges.

Edward F. Miller, chief executive officer

American Lung Association of Maine, Augusta