Obamacare taxes to cover some medical equipment used by veterinarians
Posted By David Martosko On 6:07 PM 12/08/2012 In Business | No Comments
Obamacare’s new taxes will soon apply to medical equipment that’s used by both physicians and veterinarians — and pet owners will ultimately foot the bill — according to an analysis by the Heritage Foundation.
According to the conservative policy organization, the Internal Revenue Service published a rule Friday covering “dual-use” equipment and supplies. That could include “examination gloves, sterile catheters, infusion pumps, etc.,” according to the Food and Drug Administration.
A Fairfax County, Va. veterinarian who did not wish to be named told The Daily Caller that the category could also include “syringes, tubes, blood centrifuges, sterilizing autoclaves, microscopes — and even things like surgical lights, exam tables and x-ray machines.”
“I don’t know what they’re up to in Washington,” the veterinary doctor said, “but I never thought Obamacare would apply to cats and dogs. Lots of things I use in my practice will cost more.”
The New York Times reported in April 2011 that American pet owners spend $12 billion annually on veterinary care and related services.
“Under existing [FDA] regulations,” the new IRS rule reads, “a devicRAe intended for use exclusively in veterinary medicine is not required to be listed as a device with the FDA, whereas a device intended for use in human medicine is required to be listed … even if the device may also be used in veterinary medicine.”
The IRS did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment about the likely increases in veterinary costs that consumers will have to pay as a consequence of Obamacare becoming law.
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Article printed from The Daily Caller:
http://dailycaller.comURL to article:
http://dailycaller.com/2012/12/08/obamacare-taxes-to-cover-some-medical-equipment-used-by-veterinarians/
