Many union-backed health plans now argue that if the states deserve compensation for health outlays made on behalf of smokers, then they do, too. Tobacco farmers, meanwhile, want to be protected against a potentially calamitous drop in income. But Congress may claim a share of this because the federal government finances about half of Medicaid. Any of these or other vexing issues could scuttle a congressional deal. Take the question of money.
Legal immunity is another potential deal-killer.