Senate Health Care Bill Includes Tax On Cosmetic Procedures

November 23, 2009 7:17 a.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - A provision in the Senate's health care bill unveiled last Wednesday includes a 5-percent tax on cosmetic surgeries and procedures.

If passed, the tax would go into effect in January. Proponents say it will raise an estimated $5 billion over the next 10 years and will help pay to extend health care coverage to millions of citizens.

But the plastic surgery industry is crying foul. One surgeon told Kaiser Health News that the industry is already reeling from the historic recession and the tax would prevent a quick recovery.

Other doctors worry more procedures could be taxed next.

Senate Democrats managed to get the 60 votes needed Saturday night to bring the $848-billion bill to the floor for debate later this month.