Advamed CEO Whitaker optimistic for device tax repeal this year.

The 2.3% medical device tax imposed as part of the Affordable Care Act has a good chance of being repealed this year, according to an optimistic AdvaMed CEO Scott Whitaker. In a press conference at AdvaMed’s Medtech conference in San Jose today, Whitaker was positive about the chances of the tax being repealed, and laid out 3 specific policy focuses for the industry group for the future: tax policy, regulatory changes and CMS payment issues. Whitaker presented options for a repeal of the tax, assuming that the current attempts to repeal and replace the ACA fall through. These include a must-sign legislation later this year, a stand-alone repeal effort and a repeal as a part of a large omnibus spending bill – which he said he has “assurances” would have such a repeal attached. The repeal of the tax is essential for the industry, Whitaker argued, with medtech firms facing a return of the tax next year as its previous suspension runs out. “It’s bad news for our companies, bad news for the industry and, I think, bad news for the economy and bad news for jobs,” Whitaker said. The industry group is “open to a conversation” about a straight repeal, with Whitaker saying he’d be taking steps next month to advocate for such legislation. “We’ve gotten positive feedback from leadership in the House that they’re willing to move that bill, and I think there are positive interactions with the Senate as well that they’d be willing ...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Business/Financial News Food & Drug Administration (FDA) AdvaMed AdvaMed 2017 medicaldevicetax Source Type: news