Dem plans to tax breast pumps to pay for Obamacare

[bijou]

The Senate proposal for ObamaCare at first included a tax on all “medical devices,” a broad categorization that would have imposed fees on such staples as tongue depressors and tampons, according to Amanda Carpenter at the Washington Times.  Only after a backlash from critics did Sen. Max Baucus amend his plan to only tax Class II devices starting at a retail price of $100, and all Class III and above devices.  However, that includes another staple for mothers, especially working mothers of infants, who want to raise their children on breast milk while earning a living:

When Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus proposed taxing medical devices to raise $40 billion over the next 10 years for his health care plan, opponents started digging in and looking at what would be taxed. It turned out feminine products, like tampons, were classified as class I medical devices and thus, the “tampon tax” was born.

The backlash was quick and severe enough against the idea that the committee quickly drafted new language that would exempt those necessities from the tax, along with all other class I devices, like tongue depressors, and decided to only tax class II medical devices and higher that cost [more] than $100.

But, just wait for the revolt to start again because women will still pay a price under the new structure. Particularly new moms who want to use a powered breast pump to bottle milk for their babies. Those devices, labeled class II, typically retails for more than $100.

...

Great spot from http://hotair.com/archives/2009/10/07/a-new-mommy-tax-in-obamacare-shows-pitfalls/

[thundley4]

How exactly is taxing medical equipment going to lower the cost of healthcare?  It isn't. This was never about lowering costs, it's all about the government taking more control of our lives.

[bkg]

How exactly is taxing medical equipment going to lower the cost of healthcare? 

Because they SAID SO! 

[Alpha Mare]

It turned out feminine products, like tampons, were classified as class I medical devices

 

[thundley4]

But if it kept them out of the hands of criminals like this woman , then it might be worth it.

[Alpha Mare]

But if it kept them out of the hands of criminals like this woman , then it might be worth it.

Nah, the current administration will provide them free to 'tampax addicts'- like the 'clean needle' program.

[Alpha Mare]

And the NEA will sponsor this:

http://www.tamponcrafts.com/

[jtyangel]

Why worry only about 'mothers'. What about children who might need devices like the machines asthmatics use to distribute abuterol through a mask? Those cost over 100 bucks I would bet and are far more necessary in breathing emergencies then a breast pump is for a nursing mother who could easily supplement with formula. I'm not saying it's not important, but it shows how ridiculous this stupid tax crap is. Lot's of medical devices over 100 bucks are necessary and/or important. Stupid liberals.

[jinxmchue]

The Senate proposal for ObamaCare at first included a tax on all “medical devices,” a broad categorization that would have imposed fees on such staples as tongue depressors and tampons

When I read this, my head literally tilted sideways like dogs do.  WTF???

[Ptarmigan]

How exactly is taxing medical equipment going to lower the cost of healthcare?  It isn't. This was never about lowering costs, it's all about the government taking more control of our lives.

Quixotic.