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AADA opposes repeal of indoor tanning tax in Senate health care bill

The American Academy of Dermatology Association has issued a statement from its president opposing the repeal of the tax on indoor tanning services that is a provision in the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act.

“The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) strongly opposes the repeal of the tax on indoor tanning services,” Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, said in a statement to Healio.com/Dermatology. “Scientific research has demonstrated that indoor tanning increases users’ risk of skin cancer, and this tax serves as a deterrent to discourage this dangerous activity, especially among young women.

“Melanoma is the second most common cancer in females aged 15 to 29 years, and this has been shown to be related to their tanning habits. We would encourage Congress to keep this tax in place for the good of public health.”

In a letter dated June 26 to Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Lim wrote, “On behalf of the [AADA], which represents more than 13,500 dermatologists nationwide, I am writing to express opposition to the provision repealing the sales tax on indoor tanning services, contained within the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. Dermatologists have made it a priority to advance public policies that promote prevention and education about skin cancer and the dangers of indoor tanning.

“Furthermore, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation, repealing the tax would reduce revenues by approximately $622 million over the next 10 years, thereby ending a funding source that could be used to address other pressing public heath challenges and priorities.”

The AADA is a sister organization to the American Academy of Dermatology with a focus on government affairs, health policy and practice information, according to a spokesperson. – by Bruce Thiel