A major component of the current health care reform debate centers on how to pay for such expensive legislation. One idea being discussed by lawmakers involves a 10% tax on cosmetic surgery procedures that are not considered medically necessary. This has been dubbed by many around the country as the “Botax.”
If this idea becomes part of health care reform legislation, many Americans will face steeper prices for popular plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and BOTOX.
Proponents of the Botax argue that it will generate a great deal of revenue to help pay for this important legislative reform, and that since these procedures are elective, it will be funded largely by the wealthy. However, this might not necessarily be the case.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Botax will actually be targeting the wrong group. Their research indicates that the vast majority of plastic surgery procedures are performed on working middle class mothers who save for months or sometimes even years to have their surgery. This plastic surgery tax may prevent many of these middle class Americans from being able to afford their desired procedure.
Regardless of where your beliefs align in this debate, it is clear that our government will be forced to get creative in order to fund such expensive legislation. I applaud our lawmakers for thinking outside the box when it comes to health care funding, although I’m not entirely convinced that they have found the ideal funding source.
Perhaps it would be wise to look at taxing items such as cigarettes and alcohol, which lead to serious health problems. This may deter Americans from engaging in activities that are detrimental to their health, which in turn would ultimately reduce the incidence of serious health problems caused by these substances.
If you live in the Denver, Colorado area and would like to get your plastic surgery completed before Uncle Sam levies a tax on your beauty, please contact experienced Denver plastic surgeon Dr. David Broadway today to schedule your initial consultation.
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