Good news, it looks as if the cosmetic tax provision will be removed from the Senate health reform bill. Instead, there will be a 10% tax on indoor tanning services to help pay the high costs associated with the health reform program.
UV exposure and tanning beds have been shown to be directly associated with most cases of skin cancer. Similar to the tax on cigarettes, a tax on tanning could help to offset some of the medical expenses caused from its use.
I agree that taxing actions that contribute to the costs of health care makes sense. But where does one draw the line?
Whats next, a Big Mac tax? Obesity is a significant drain on health care costs, costing Americans billions of dollars yearly.
The good news for tanners is that the tax isn’t scheduled to start until, July 2010. By then there should be plenty of good old fashioned, tax free sun!