I woke up this morning knowing I’d need to type out a post on my keyboard in the Starbucks hour I enjoy before my 7:30 appointments start arriving. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a clue for a post topic—that is, until trusty Gina over at PetConnection handed me one (sort-of—I know it’s only 3:30 AM in SF).
Yesterday she blogged on a topic that left me open-mouth breathing like a feral cat in a trap. When I read it first thing this morning I knew I’d have to latch onto her coattails and run with it.
It seems California is at it again. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed to add a sales tax on veterinary services—as if Californians weren’t already suffering from the highest rates for veterinary care in the nation.
Three other states already tax veterinary medical services directly: Hawaii, South Dakota and New Mexico. They make sure that when you pay your vet your vet plays accountant for the state and collects these extra revenues on your behalf.
In case you didn’t know, it’s a given that healthcare services are not taxed. Whether you’re in for a tummy tuck or an angiogram there’s no sales tax applied. Prescription drugs are similarly exempt.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan emerges, it would seem, from his belief that some medical services are not “essential.”
To this, all I have to say is, “Go read what Gina wrote over at PetConnection!”:
Now, I have no problem putting a sales tax on non-prescription products, and on services such as grooming if services such as getting your drain unclogged by a plumber are also taxed (not sure if they are, but I’ll be finding out this morning, alas). But veterinary services? These should be off the tax table, along with prescription drugs.
Not only because I believe pets are family — which I do — but because veterinarians are an important part of the entire healthcare system, and need to be acknowledged as such. Threats to human health often start in animal populations, from viruses to tainted food. We need to keep our veterinarians as part of the public health team, and we don’t need any more barriers to keeping people from taking their pets in.
She always says it so well.
And there's more that meets the eye on this tax. Consider that animal agriculture uses veterinary services, too. How will that be received by the Proposition 2-blasted animal industry? I'll bet their lobbyists are already looking in the mirror, Taxi-driver style, repeating to themselves, "You talking to ME?"
Sure, animal agriculture may get spared in the end. After all, this plan is still in the works. But if the Gov'ner gets his way with either branch of the veterinary tree...I think it's only fair we tax his whole family's cosmetic surgery services...retroactively.
Add Comment35 Comments
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Those of us that consider our pets family would grudingly pay the tax, as there would be no choice..we take our furry kids to the vet when needed, regardless. What about the owners that already iffy/don't (or can't afford) take their pets because they are too tight or too broke? It would be one more nail in the coffin.
Btw, I purchased new prescription eyeglasses yesterday, and noticed that they are taxed.....also wrong!
Donna November 8th, 2008 09:46:00 AM
Donna: But is Lasik taxed? Don't think so...
Dr. Patty Khuly November 8th, 2008 09:53:00 AM
No...just checked. No sales tax on Lasik, of course. And tax deductible, too.
btw, I do deduct my eyewear because I can't wear contacts for surgery (nor can I read with them) and I'm no Lasik candidate (my vision still changes annually), but I pay a hefty, retail-sized sales tax for my prescription glasses. I agree that Chanel frames should not be tax deductible but the Rx? Hell, yes!
Dr. Patty Khuly November 8th, 2008 09:58:00 AM
Of course, I agree with you that this is awful. This will hurt pets by making veterinary care -- which already comes directly out of our pockets dollar for dollar unlike our own health care -- even less affordable.
However, I observe the following:
You rightly draw an analogy about the fact that human health care is not taxed.
But humans aren't property.
Services rendered on/for property are usually taxed.
It is the veterinary lobby, along with agribusiness interests among many, that keep fighting to stop our pets from being legally recognized as something more than mere property.
In other words, the vets have helped make this bed, and now we all have to lie in it.
Stefani November 8th, 2008 09:59:00 AM
Stefani: I don't disagree. Our lobby, which fights to keep pets from gaining recognition as non-property when it comes to non-economic damages in malpractice suits, certainly doesn't help when it comes to arguing against a tax like this.
We can't keep having it both ways, as I've argued here before.
Dr. Patty Khuly November 8th, 2008 10:08:00 AM
I can't believe this. I agree w/you wholeheartedly. Where is this going to end?!! We take out insurance on our pets to help offset those unexpected incidents-illnesses and accidents to help sort out the financial issue so we aren't having to make decisions based on finances and now they want to add a tax!!! As with the other canine issues on the table--reputable breeders vs backyard and pet shops...once this comes out and one state gets it approved, you know it won't be long before all the others follow suit! Needs to be stopped.
dywfl6 November 8th, 2008 11:51:00 AM
In Nova Scotia we already pay 13% tax on all Veterinary Services including meds and it drives me nuts. The first time I got a script at the local drug store for my Addison's dog the drug store didn't even know how to get the tax on the system for it because we don't normally pay tax on prescription drugs. I wrote to my member of parliament but fat lot of good that did. The drugs especially are not a luxury, they keep my boy alive..
Elizabeth - From Nova Scotia November 8th, 2008 04:32:00 PM
Gees, CA. is already thinking of asking for a federal bailout for the mess it is in.If I am remembering correctly, they have "subsidized" electrical service, one of the (falsely) lowest in the country. And not that it has much to do with the point, but after exchanging "price information" with dog club members, surprisingly, Calif. is cheaper than New England. I couldn't afford to live in California, but then again, I couldn't afford Boston either.
Are any other states taxing Vet care? It is horrible and does not have "good" implications; depending on the percentage, that would have huge "negatve effects" in my state.Yes, it seems along with dumping pets into shelters, they are now going to be recognized as a "luxury"----shameful.
Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire November 8th, 2008 06:40:00 PM
I live in Kentucky and there is no tax on vet care or pet scripts. I love the group of vets that I have. Their dad started the practice years ago. His twin sons and both daughters are all vets at the practice. They also have a few other vets there. They do not take appointments(excluding surgery) and the wait there is always at least an hour, usually 2-3 hours. The large parking lot is full and they stay open 7 days week. The cost is very reasonable. My dobermans acl surgery last year ago was about $750. The vets are wonderful, the care is the best, and the prices are better than average. The only thing I can complain about is the danged wait time. Then again, I suppose when there are that many willing to wait that long, something sure is right about those vets!
Donna November 8th, 2008 07:16:00 PM
You know what Stef? You hit the nail, we are either bringing in our toasters for "repair & maintenance" OR we are obtaining medical care for our family members...hmmm...how is the CA. VMA & AVMA going to tackle this?
And how are the breeders fighting legislation tooth and claw going to protest this while trying to "also" preserve their "property rights". This could become interesting if it makes it to the table.
Barbara A. Albright/New Hampshire November 8th, 2008 07:45:00 PM
If Sales tax works in a similar way to "Value Added" Tax in the EU then "commercial" animal keepers will probably be able to reclaim any tax that's included in their veterinary bills.
To my mind the most iniquitous aspect of taxing veterinary care is that people can be prosecuted if they fail to get treatment for their animals - it seems very unfair that someone on a low income should have it made more difficult to comply with the law.
Rosemary November 9th, 2008 12:55:00 PM
Arnold has not been much of a friend to animals. He wanted to repeal the Hayden Act that ensures stray animals are given 5 days to live in shelters so that if they have a family, there is enough time for them to find them there before they are killed. This is where he chose to save money. Animal lovers were outraged, but it wasn't until he was pressured from his daughter that he gave in and dropped the idea.
It's really crappy to put that pressure on vets to collect extra money, as if people didn't give them a hard enough time about the bill (well, usually it's the receptionists that get all the griping).
Pam Holt November 9th, 2008 05:22:00 PM
If Sales misfortune mill in a twin shortcut to "Value Added" Tax power the EU accordingly "commercial" gross keepers bequeath common speak for potent to reclaim chip misfortune that's included rule their veterinary bills.
To my expectation the by much hideous aspect of taxing veterinary difficulty is that public incubus perform prosecuted if they neglect to accomplish undertaking in that their animals - valid seems plenty shameful that someone on a glum up should believe existing specious more unyielding to allow with the law.
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