CBS Miami reports, March 11, 2013, that dog owner Lori Heiselman was surprised when her veterinarian posted a warning on Facebook, which reads: “Because medical equipment and supplies will be going up in cost, that extra expense will have to be passed on to the customers.”
Why the increase? It’s part of a new 2.3% federal excise tax on certain medical devices that just went into effect. The tax will help fund Obamacare, or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Although medical device manufacturers pay the tax, a recent survey found more than half plan to pass it along.
Although medical devices used only on animals are exempt from this new Obamacare tax, vets do use certain human medical devices that are taxed. Those are devices that have a dual use, meaning they can be used on people and animals, such as IV pumps, sterile scalpels and anesthesia equipment.
The American Veterinary Medical Association represents 82,000 vets. At this point, they don’t know how much this new tax will indirectly cost them. The organizations members are waiting to hear from more device makers.
But some vets already are saying they can’t afford it. Dr. Mike Hatcher is one of them. He explained, “I’m extremely concerned how this is going to be a hidden tax to our consumers that is going to be passed on.”
Elections have consequences.
To all pet-owners whose votes last November ensured the POS’ reelection, I hope you’re happy.
~Eowyn