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Demise of Botox tax brings applause from AMA leader

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As Senate Democrats look to close debate on the healthcare bill, an epic battle that has drawn in pharmaceutical companies, the insurance industry and ordinary Americans bearing personal horror stories, American Medical Assn. President-elect Cecil B. Wilson applauded a concession on the left’s part: to drop the ‘Botax’ from the bill.

It almost sounds too Jerry Springeresque to be part of this months-long political saga, but it’s true. Plastic surgeons and Botox manufacturer Allergan beat back a 5% levy on breast implants, face-lifts and other types of cosmetic surgery. Tanning salons, hit with a 10% tax, were not so lucky: indoor salons made for easy pickings, reports said, because of the link between ultraviolet radiation and cancer.
Forget Medicare, insurance premiums or the ill-fated public option. Clearly our representatives and medical professionals have their priorities straight, and our best interests at heart.

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-- Amina Khan

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