{domain:"www.qualitydigest.com",server:"169.47.211.87"} Skip to main content

User account menu
Main navigation
  • Topics
    • Customer Care
    • FDA Compliance
    • Healthcare
    • Innovation
    • Lean
    • Management
    • Metrology
    • Operations
    • Risk Management
    • Six Sigma
    • Standards
    • Statistics
    • Supply Chain
    • Sustainability
    • Training
  • Videos/Webinars
    • All videos
    • Product Demos
    • Webinars
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
    • Submit B2B Press Release
    • Write for us
  • Metrology Hub
  • Training
  • Subscribe
  • Log in
Mobile Menu
  • Home
  • Topics
    • 3D Metrology-CMSC
    • Customer Care
    • FDA Compliance
    • Healthcare
    • Innovation
    • Lean
    • Management
    • Metrology
    • Operations
    • Risk Management
    • Six Sigma
    • Standards
    • Statistics
    • Supply Chain
    • Sustainability
    • Training
  • Login / Subscribe
  • More...
    • All Features
    • All News
    • All Videos
    • Contact
    • Training

Raise a Glass to a Dumb Medical Device Tax Brewed in D.C.

Consumers, not companies, will foot the medical device excise tax

Michael Causey
Mon, 03/11/2013 - 13:07
  • Comment
  • RSS

Social Sharing block

  • Print
  • Add new comment
Body

A prominent politician goes before his constituents during a tough reelection campaign. He’s introduced by the local mayor, and strides to the stage, waving and smiling to enthusiastic applause.

“It’s great to be here with you tonight. I love this great state of [fill in the blank]. Erica and I miss being here, especially when we’re stuck in that snake pit called Washington, D.C.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The crowd laughs, and the esteemed incumbent goes on. “Now, as you know, we’ve got to find new ways to pay for Obamacare. Well, I’ve got a great one: A brand-new 2.3 percent consumer tax on medical devices.” The crowd gasps.

What are his reelection chances now?

Well, that’s what happened in Washington in 2010. In this instance, we can’t focus on a single lawmaker, but a gaggle have gotten together and imposed a new medical device excise tax (MEDT) on medical device manufacturers.

So far, so good. Medical device manufactures should pay more taxes, many citizens would agree.

 …

Want to continue?
Log in or create a FREE account.
Enter your username or email address
Enter the password that accompanies your username.
By logging in you agree to receive communication from Quality Digest. Privacy Policy.
Create a FREE account
Forgot My Password

Comments

Submitted by Andrew Torchia on Tue, 03/12/2013 - 18:18

Consumers paying is the least likely outcome

Companies generally set their prices to maximize revenue. If they could raise their prices without negative consequence then they already would have. It is more likely the tax will be paid by the company in the form of lower profits or lower dividends (if they pay them) or lower executive compensation; or some combination of those.

It is understandable that these guys are upset. Nobody likes paying a new tax. But the whining is really a bit much. They should be happy they are not tanning salon operators. Plus if Obamacare is reasonably successful, there will be many millions of newly insured people who will be new consumers for their products. 

  • Reply

Submitted by MJK on Wed, 03/20/2013 - 09:52

In reply to Consumers paying is the least likely outcome by Andrew Torchia

What?

Andrew,

What country are you from?  Of course the consumer will be paying for this new tax.

  • Reply

Add new comment

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Please login to comment.
      

© 2025 Quality Digest. Copyright on content held by Quality Digest or by individual authors. Contact Quality Digest for reprint information.
“Quality Digest" is a trademark owned by Quality Circle Institute Inc.

footer
  • Home
  • Print QD: 1995-2008
  • Print QD: 2008-2009
  • Videos
  • Privacy Policy
  • Write for us
footer second menu
  • Subscribe to Quality Digest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us