Do smokers cost society money?

I have been receiving a lot of calls in the office lately about the decision to raise the tax on cigarettes and so this article really intrigued me. I always was under the impression that smokers actually cost us as taxpayers more because of all the negative health effects that arise with smoking. It is such an addicting habit that I wouldn't be surprised if it led to earlier deaths because cancer is a serious illness to try and overcome. Yet, when I read this article I got the other side of the story and it is obvious that despite my distaste for the habit of smoking, it may actually be more cost effective to allow it to occur. Taking a hard look at the facts, nonsmokers do end up living much longer than those who smoke and so the benefits that are saved during the lifespan of the smokers are actually lost during the 10 year period that separates both types of people. I now have a better appreciation for the argument that smokers make about raising their taxes because even though I do not encourage or advocate smokers to continue their habit, they understand the problems that come about with the habit and actually save us money in the long run.