New moms who want to use a powered breast pump to bottle milk for their babies may be faced with increased taxes under Baucus’ proposed healthcare plan. These and other medical devices used by men and women — including pacemakers, ventilators, X-ray machines, powered wheelchairs, and surgical needles – are considered class II medical devices that cost more than $100 and will be taxed. It is hoped that this will raise an expected $40 billion over 10 years for his plan.

Although plans to tax “class I” medical devices — such as tampons and tongue depressors – were thwarted by opponents as something that would increase costs on medical necessities, what about patients who will pay more for devices and procedures that cross the class I threshold?
 
I thought healthcare reform was supposed to decrease medical costs, not make it more expensive for those who need it most.
 
Take a look at the comprehensive list of all the tax hikes in Baucus’ bill.
 
photo credit: Erik R. Bishoff