MMA Member Testifies Against Botax Bill
Date: 28-02-2013
[MMA News Now, Feb. 28, 2013] An MMA member spoke out Feb. 27 against proposed legislation that would tax certain cosmetic procedures saying that the bill is too subjective and vague.
HF 661, which was introduced by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Minneapolis) and is being referred to as the “botax,” calls for taxing “any medical procedure performed on an individual which is directed at improving the subject's appearance, body image, or self-esteem and which does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease.”
Michael Tedford, M.D., an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon based in Edina, testified on behalf of the MMA and the Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngologists before the House Taxes Committee.
He expressed his concern regarding several aspects of the proposed legislation:
• The bill is “extremely vague making application and compliance extremely difficult.” He said it’s very subjective determining whether a procedure improves someone’s “appearance, body image, or self-esteem” or improves function or provides a “more normal appearance.”
• The services are already subject to taxation through the MinnesotaCare 2 percent gross revenues tax or provider tax – at least for six more years.
• The bill would compromise a patient’s privacy because their medical records would need to be reviewed to determine whether a procedure was taxable or not.
For more information on the bill, visit the MMA News Now archives.
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