MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Pet owners listen up: You may want to start saving more money for veterinarian care this year. The reason goes all the way back to Washington and an unintended consequence from medical reform.
Dog owner Lori Heiselman was surprised where her veterinarian posted a warning on Facebook.
The notice read: “Because medical equipment and supplies will be going up in cost, that extra expense will have to passed on to the customers.”
So Lori is already tightening her belt to pay for the increase in her dog’s care. Though she doesn’t like it, she’s willing to pay more for her pets.
“They’re very important. They’re members of the family,” said Heiselman.
Why the increase? Its part of a new 2.3-percent federal excise tax on certain medical devices that just went into effect. The tax will help fund
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, intended for people, not pets. Manufacturers pay the tax, but a recent survey found more than half plan to pass it along.
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, intended for people, not pets. Manufacturers pay the tax, but a recent survey found more than half plan to pass it along.
Some vets say 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.”
How does this work? Medical devices used only on animals are exempt. However, items including IV pumps, sterile scalpels and anesthesia equipment, which are medical devices that have a dual use, meaning they can be used on people and animals, will be taxed. Hatcher said, “Putting off an equipment purchase is something that can terribly affect our clients’ ability to have quality care.”
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.
Alinski's rules of tactics- The ninth rule: The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
ReplyDelete"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."
Also from the article posted here, "Medical devices used only on animals are exempt."
This from a Heritage link http://blog.heritage.org/2012/12/07/obamacare-may-hike-your-pets-health-care-bills/
"The device tax is expected to raise costs for consumers. A recent survey of 181 manufacturers found that a 52.5 percent majority plan to “pass along some or all of the increased cost [of the tax] to our consumers.” Among North American manufacturers, the portion who said they would raise prices was an even higher 58 percent."
So, here we have some data showing that of at lest this number surveyed, only about half planned to pass the tax on. In true Alinski form, TD has posted a hysteria piece warning us about what MIGHT happen while cleverly dodging any context material that makes you start to ask, "how much real money are we actually talking about here?"
Now, to be clear, it must be said that I am also using an Alinski tactic, namely tactic number five which states Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. Sorry TD, but this is a ridiculous post.
Saul Alinky's a divorce lawyer, right? Isn't that why Newt Gingrich hates him so much?
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