We typically don’t cover politics here at Medgadget, but since many of our readers are employed by the medical device industry we thought we would pass along this news. As you may or may not know, a portion of the health care reform act passed recently will be funded by a new tax on medical devices that will be enacted in 2013. The Hill reports that Senate Republicans, as part of the broader repeal effort, are targeting this tax for its own repeal measure in a bill unveiled Thursday. AdvaMed, the industry lobbying group, weighed in on the effort as well:
"While AdvaMed supports repeal of the excise tax, it remains committed to the central elements of health reform that are consistent with our long-held principles, including expanded coverage, reform of the payment system to encourage quality and efficiency, and a new emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention," AdvaMed President and CEO Stephen Ubl said in a statement. "As other proposed changes to the bill are considered by Congress, we will evaluate them in the light of these principles and their impact on patients and medical innovation.”
For those not conversant in Lobbyist language, this is AdvaMed trying not to upset anyone.
Full story from The Hill: GOP senators look to eliminate medical device tax
Image credit: Ano Lobb
