The House of Representatives Passes the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015

On Thursday, June 18th The House of Representatives passed H.R. 160 entitled “The Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015” (hereinafter “PMIA”) by a vote of 280 to 140 in an attempt to repeal the medical device excise tax that was introduced in H.R. 3590 entitled “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010” (hereinafter “PPACA”).

PMIA was introduced by Republican Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee. PMIA aims to repeal the 2.3 percent excise tax on medical devices, such as pacemakers and operating-room monitors. The legislation now heads to the Senate floor for deliberations where repealing the medical device tax also has bipartisan support. Republican Erik Paulsen indicated in a statement “as a country, we take great pride in our ability to create, invent, and innovate—especially when it comes to products that improve people’s lives. The medical device tax stands in direct contrast to this ideal, which is why you’ve seen Members of Congress from across the political spectrum support its repeal. It’s time to push this legislation across the finish line and support American jobs and innovation.

The House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., in a statement after the bill was passed indicated “taxing medical devices not only stifles innovation and threatens American jobs, but drives up health care costs and makes treatments less accessible for those who need them most. By repealing this tax, American medical innovation can refocus on encouraging discovery and finding solutions for the health challenges—and emergencies—so many Americans face. I applaud Republican Paulsen for his work on this legislation, and I’m proud to support it.”

As a caveat, both the House of Representatives and the Senate must still agree on a unified bill to send to the President’s desk for signature into law. For complete legislative updates from the Hill please follow Peter J. Scalise at https://www.taxconnections.com/profile/Peter-J-Scalise/12259077

About the Author
Peter J. Scalise serves as the National Partner-in-Charge of the Federal Tax Credits and Incentives Practice at SAX CPAs LLP. Peter is a highly distinguished member of the Accounting Today Top 100 Influencers and has approximately thirty years of progressive Big 4 and Top 100 public accounting firm experience developing, managing, and leading large scale tax advisory practices on a regional, national, and global level.
Peter also serves as a passionate philanthropist and a member of several Boards of Directors and Boards of Advisors for local, regional, and national charities in connection with poverty and hunger alleviation; economic development; environmental conservation; health and social services; supporting veteran and military service personnel along with preserving arts and cultural programs.

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