Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Report Challenges Economic Rationale For Repealing Medical Device Tax
A tax on medical devices, imposed by the Affordable Care Act, has become a prime target for Republicans, some Democrats and a small army of lobbyists for the industry. But a new report from the Congressional Research Service challenges economic arguments that are being made to justify repealing the tax. Critics of the tax say it is destroying jobs and encouraging manufacturers to move operations overseas. Repealing it is a priority for Republicans on Capitol Hill. (Pear, 1/13)
The measure from Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) would repeal the healthcare law's 2.3 percent excise tax on medical products and equipment. With support from members of both parties as well as industry, the bill is one change to the health care law that seems likely to pass Congress this year. (Viebeck, 1/13)
