www.freakyplasticsurgery.com

Taxing elective cosmetic surgery to help fund health care?

"Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% excise tax on elective cosmetic procedures... that includes things like Botox injections, breast implants, tummy tucks, face lifts, liposuction, teeth whitening, eyelid repairs, etc." I can not believe democrats actually think this is a great idea. What do think? Do you think it is ok to tax people who do this, just because they have the extra money to have procedures done?

Public Comments

1. HA take that vain celebrities...no more pointless botox unless you would have to fund some sick kids health insurance..
2. Sounds suspiciously like the kind of tax increase Obama promised he wouldn't sign, doesn't it?
3. Absolutely, tax and retax, make it retroactive so that Nancy P. has to donate.
4. Of course it makes sense. The only effective way to change people's practices is to make it an economic choice. Making elective/no life threatening medical procedures taxable will cut demand for them, thereby contributing to reducing health care costs. Sure, those with the money will still choose them ... but at least the tax will help pay for other procedures. Not taxing them means some other form of tax to raise the money. The other option is a tax on the middle class and rich. The money has to come from somewhere and the best choice is from those most directly benefiting and also choosing to have an optional procedure. While at it, the value of employer paid heath insurance benefits accruing to workers should also be taxed as income ... something that for some strange reason doesn't happen in the US (unlike most countries). In Canada we have universal health care, but cosmetic surgery is not covered. If you want it, you pay and pay taxes on the services. Makes perfect sense to any rational individual.
5. Yes,I think it is perfectly ok. What I don't think is ok and what no one seems to mention is that all necessary medical equipment will be taxed. Wheelchairs,crutches,artificial legs,etc. Things that people actually need to have a quality of life. Cosmetic surgery isn't necessary. If people are vain enough to want the surgery and have the money for it,then they should have no problem paying the tax.