Tax US citizens for medical procedures due to relative lifestyle choices? This type of reasoning could also be used then to penalize and tax people who eat fast or junk food by saying that they have an option to eat healthier or otherwise. Or perhaps we begin to tax parents for providing orthodontic services which are often not covered by insurance due to the cosmetic nature of the procedures. Where does this type of rationing end? I do not think it is the responsibility of the government to be the morality or vanity police, but support and create legislation that does not have the potential to divide people, due to their choosing procedures that may be considered to some and not others as essential or not to the individual.
There are many studies and reports of wasted tax income that goes to frivolous expenditures like those reported by Forbes such as taxpayers funded story time at laundromats ($248,200); sex education for prostitutes in Ethiopia ($2.1 million) and Ivy League, Inc. (the eight Ivy universities) received $9.8 billion in federal grants despite having a collective endowment of $140 billion, up $20 billion since 2016.
Forbes goes on to report that of the US governmental agencies receiving the highest amount of funding for 2017-2019 was the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) having received $1.5 trillion in grants – which was approximately seven of every ten dollars. Twenty-one other governmental agencies were awarded $1 billion or more in grants. Obviously, these are very big dollar numbers and not knowing exactly how the monies were spent can open a debate of if the funds were actually used wisely for the American people. So, where I don’t think, the government should move to impose a “cosmetic tax” I do think the government should be held more accountable for the vast amounts of money that is possibly being spent on frivolous projects that do not help the American people as whole.
There are many good points on many sides of this issue. As long there is open dialogue by whomever ultimately make these decisions to pass legislation, there is some hope for fair and reasonable measures to be installed. I am all in for helping those who need assistance and cannot work or pay for their basic needs; not so much for those who choose to not work for their needs and wants. Our government has the resources to provide for those in need, but I feel the root problem is in the poor administration and/or management of the already existing resources.
With that being said, there are many types of cosmetic or elective procedures/surgeries that are not necessarily covered by insurance companies. Some of these procedures could be deemed as a positive factor whether physically or mentally to the patient. Or perhaps detrimental to the patient in not just physical appearance but in accompanying mental issues, such as depression, low self-esteem, bullying and probably others. Who gets to decide if these are necessary procedures or luxury items to be taxed? I see the following cosmetic examples as being questionable:
- Craniofacial Surgery – examples would be birth defects, cleft palates, auricular issues, etc.
- Reconstructive Surgery After Disease or Injury – examples like animal bites, injury from trauma, scarring from disease
- Correction of a Deviated Septum – example such as sinus issues, breathing problems, injury or trauma, snoring which affects sleep quality
- Breast Reduction – can cause back, neck and shoulder issues
- Breast Reconstruction – cancers, but also traumatic injury, abuse
- Eyelid Procedures – issues can affect sight, ability to drive, work, etc.
There is the discussion if straight teeth are considered cosmetic or otherwise? Also, wisdom teeth removal. Both of these issues can be lived with, but there is much information that the straightness of the teeth can affect eating habits resulting in better or worth chewing of certain foods, which can lead someone to choose some foods that are easier to chew but less nutritional over ones that are healthier but require more mastication. A healthy smile also improves self-esteem which lowers stress and relative stress hormones.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises
Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119
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United Martial Arts Association 