New Health Care Bill May Tax for Plastic Surgery

Posted in Health Insurance

November 23rd, 2009

In order to pay for health care over the next 10 years, the Senate Democrats have taken a few extra measures, including adding a tax on elective cosmetic surgery. If the provision is approved, millions of people will be taxed 5 percent for their breast implants, botox and more.

Why Tax Plastic Surgery?

Senate Majority Harry Reid announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 that the tax would be added. He explained that by including a tax on an elective cosmetic surgery, the government would be able to raise as much as $5.8 billion over the 10 years, which could help pay for the $849 billion plan.

Reid explained that the tax would not affect any procedures necessary to restructure a deformity that was caused a congenital abnormality or personal injury (accident, trauma or disfiguring disease). If approved, it would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010.

Plastic Surgery Still on the Rise

While one might think that a tax on an elective surgery would not raise much money (since people can simply elect not to have the surgery), with cosmetic plastic surgery procedures increasing overall in 2008 by three percent from 2007, the tax may actually work. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the U.S. spent $10.3 billion on cosmetic procedures last year.

If the economy improves, which it is expected to do in the next 10 years, the tax may bring in the expected numbers

Would a 5 percent tax affect your decision to get cosmetic plastic surgery?