Will Republicans, Democrats unite to permanently repeal the medical device tax?

Michael Walter | | Radiology Business | Policy & Regulations
Medical societies are asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform efforts.

The 2.3 percent medical device tax, originally implemented as a piece of the Affordable Care Act, is currently suspended until 2020. Could 2019 be the year it gets repealed for good?

The Oklahoman published an editorial this week on this very subject, stating that the tax’s impact “is so undeniably bad” that both Republicans and Democrats, including 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have worked to repeal it.

“If a tax is so destructive that Congress feels compelled to ‘temporarily’ suspend it year after year, doesn't that suggest it would be better to approve permanent repeal of the tax?” the editorial board asked. “Such is the case for the federal medical device tax, and there's reason to hope repeal is one area where bipartisan agreement can result in bipartisan action.”

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the medical device tax back in July 2018, but there has been no more progress on the issue.

Click below to read the full editorial.

Bipartisanship possible on medical device tax repeal

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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