On Tuesday, legislators announced a campaign to help combat loneliness and social isolation in Connecticut.

Lt Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said 60% of Americans say they feel lonely.

She said a report from the U.S. surgeon general noted that being lonely has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The report also said loneliness and isolation increases the risk of premature death.

Legislators said in the U.S over $6 billion dollars are spent in Medicare costs to curb the health impacts that come from social isolation.