Nationwide Survey Shows Americans Oppose a Cosmetic Tax

$5.8 Billion Tax Targets Middle Class – Mostly Working Women

Arlington Heights, Ill. – A majority of Americans oppose the inclusion of a five percent tax on cosmetic medical procedures, according to a survey. Survey respondents oppose the cosmetic tax by a 52% – 43% margin.

According to the survey, a large majority of respondents, by a 64% – 34% margin, agree that the cosmetic medical procedures tax has no place in health care reform, since these procedures and treatments are not covered by health insurance and the tax will disproportionately impact middle class women.

“It is clear from these results that Americans disagree with this proposed tax,” said Michael McGuire, MD, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “Taxing medical procedures sets a dangerous precedent by inviting the Internal Revenue Service into the physician-patient relationship, and allowing the government to make decisions regarding medical necessity.”

The tax on cosmetic medical procedures was not included in any of the five health reform bills developed and debated in Senate and House Committees. According to the Congressional Budget Office, it is projected to raise approximately $5.8 billion over ten years toward the $856 billion price tag for the proposed Senate health reform bill. However, a similar tax in New Jersey has realized less than one-third of the anticipated revenue and an independent audit of the New Jersey system found that it took $3.39 in expenditures just to collect a single dollar in tax — making a cosmetic tax not only a bad idea but an unreliable way to fund health reform.

According to the survey, there is no significant difference between men and women in their opposition to the proposed tax. On the other hand, respondents over the age of 45 are much more likely to oppose the tax, with opposition increasing among older respondents.

The survey further demonstrates that, by a 49% – 30% margin, respondents were more likely to oppose the tax once informed that sixty percent of all people planning to have cosmetic medical procedures report a household income of between $30,000 and $90,000.

“These numbers confirm what ASPS has been saying all along, that many people mistakenly believe that this is a luxury tax,” Dr. McGuire said. “But in fact, it is a tax on the middle class — despite President Obama’s direct campaign promise not to raise taxes on this group of Americans.”

This survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation among a national probability sample of 1,014 adults comprising 506 men and 508 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing was completed during the period December 3-6, 2009.?

Source: ASPS

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’Tis the season for gifting cosmetic surgery

However, discuss procedure with recipient beforehand

Chicago – Maybe you’ve received eye-opening holiday gifts in the past such as new electronics, an exciting vacation or that car you have always craved. The gift of cosmetic surgery is not a new phenomenon, but many are going that route this holiday season as husbands and wives yearn for that perfect present to their loved one.

“It’s the season of giving and cosmetic surgery can fit into that category just as easily as some of the more traditional gifts out there,” said Dr. Patrick McMenamin, MD, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. “What better way to ring in the New Year than to get that procedure that you’ve always wanted? And if it’s a present to or from a loved one, that makes it all the better.”

According to a consumer survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, 46 percent of consumers say they would forego an expensive vacation or luxury car to pay for cosmetic surgery.

Surgery gift-giving does take some planning, as the procedures are often done before Christmas, so patients are either recovering or showing off their improved looks in time for their holiday gatherings. But make sure this is something you talk over with the surgery recipient beforehand, because surprising someone with cosmetic surgery is not recommended.

“There are a large number of people who really want cosmetic surgery, and they just need that little nudge or incentive to get it done,” said Dr. Mark Berman, AACS President- Elect. “Well, if you’re that spouse or significant other, just make sure you’ve discussed the idea in the past so it doesn’t come as a surprise.”

Source: cosmeticsurgery.org

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American Academy Of Cosmetic Surgery Opposes Cosmetic Surgery Tax

Chicago, IL – As negotiators on Capitol Hill try to find ways to fund a health care overhaul, a 5% tax on cosmetic surgery has been introduced on Nov. 18 as part of the Senate’s proposed health reform bill, introduced by US Senator Harry Reid (D-NV). The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery strongly opposes such taxes and urges legislators to consider the following points:

• A tax on elective cosmetic procedures is an unreliable, risky revenue source that has no proven record of raising projected revenues.
• The difficulty of defining elective vs. medically-necessary cosmetic surgery. There is a blurry line between what procedures are considered medically-necessary and those that are elective.
• Retention of highly-skilled physicians is at risk. Physicians face many challenges in operating their practices on a day-to-day basis. Turning them into tax-collectors is an additional burden on these doctors.
• Cosmetic surgery is not a specialty for only the wealthy or the vain. In fact, the median income for those electing to have cosmetic surgery is dropping.
• Despite the fact that more men are seeking cosmetic procedures than ever, the largest portion of patients are still working women, who would be unfairly targeted by such taxes.
• A large portion of those being taxed would be the baby-boomer generation. And as this age group continues to age, the more interest will be generated in cosmetic procedures. It is important to note that the age bracket are most likely to vote in elections is the same as those who are electing to have cosmetic procedures.

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