Circumcision tax?

[K703]

With some states experiencing budget shortages, I came up with an idea of a new way to raise revenues while likely reducing the circ rate: tax circumcisions. Under my idea, it would be like a sales tax with the burden technically being on the doctor or hospital performing the circ but the cost of the tax will likely be passed on to the parents. This would likely reduce the circ rate since I figure most insurance plans wouldn't cover the tax and parents would have to pay it out of pocket, and for those who still choose to circ the state would be making money off of it. To avoid entering a subject we can't discuss here into the tax debate, the tax would apply only to cases where a profit is intended to be made from the circ. Circs done on a consenting individual or out of true medical necessity would also be exempt.

[MommytoB]

It proably won't work sadly because many parents are willing enough to pay 500 to 700 dollars out of their pocket for a circ so a 6 -20 dollar tax wouldn't make that much difference.

Plus, some states that have medcaid still end up having circs covered that are covered under Medicaid but we are already have some taxes that are pulled out even when we are not with Medicaid.

[K703]

Originally Posted by MommytoB

It proably won't work sadly because many parents are willing enough to pay 500 to 700 dollars out of their pocket for a circ so a 6 -20 dollar tax wouldn't make that much difference.

My idea is that the tax would be higher than a typical sales tax, maybe 10-20% of the circ cost (so about $60-$120). A better comparison might be the item-specific taxes that are often seen on items like cigarettes and alcohol.

[phathui5]

Better yet, let's stop covering circumcision with government funded healthcare dollars. If someone wants to have it done, let them pay for it themselves.

[by-the-lake]

Here in Minnesota Medicaid quit paying for circs but the hospital I work for decided to 'eat' the cost as a 'customer service'

[Toolip]

Originally Posted by by-the-lake

Here in Minnesota Medicaid quit paying for circs but the hospital I work for decided to 'eat' the cost as a 'customer service'

[Night_Nurse]

If I understand the proposed new taxes correctly, cosmetic surgery will now be taxed this year, along with indoor tanning. If I can be taxed on Botox or liposuction, which I'd pay for out of pocket without any insurance coverage, I don't see why RIC wouldn't fall under that umbrella either.
I'm not sure the power-that-be feel RIC is cosmetic, though. Maybe someone can call their congress person and ask.