Welcome to stopmedicaltaxes.com. We are a coalition of national and local organizations and medical professionals who believe that healthcare is a fundamental necessity for all patients-young and old, male and female, wealthy and poor. Patients should have access, free and clear of financial barriers that would keep them from seeking and receiving care that would improve their health and lives.

In 2004 the State of New Jersey passed legislation taxing cosmetic medical procedures. The tax was expected to generate $24 million in its first year to help pay for state hospital "charity care." Instead, the tax brought in a mere $7.8 million, leaving some of the state's most vulnerable patients in healthcare limbo. Recognizing this legislative mistake, lawmakers in New Jersey overwhelming voted for a bill repealing the law. Unfortunately, New Jersey's Governor recently vetoed the repeal and our work continues.

Regrettably, legislators across the country are still looking to tax patients for medical procedures as a way to solve their states' financial problems. This year, legislators in Minnesota, Hawaii and Connecticut have introduced bills that would tax cosmetic medical procedures. To some lawmakers, these taxes represent a viable revenue source. In reality, the justification for these taxes is based upon flawed and stereotypical views of cosmetic medical procedures, including what they are, why they are needed, and the type of people having it.

Our primary question and concern with taxing medical procedures of any kind is this: Once you start taxing patients for healthcare, where do you stop? What's next?

This is potentially a slippery slope that could eventually result in taxes on all medical procedures if we don't STOP these tax proposals in their tracks...well before they become law.

Whether your state is currently considering taxing medical procedures, or you want to monitor and stay informed about this dangerous trend, we invite you to browse our site and visit us often for the latest updates and news coverage about this important issue.