Healthcare Reform Means More Taxes For Tanners

Its a hot trend. It just makes me feel better," said Tanning Customer Kelle Kris Rogers. Rogers tans at least three times a week. As part of the newly passed Healthcare Reform Law a 10 percent tax will be passed on to consumers. If your monthly package costs 40 dollars, tack on an extra four dollars. Lindsi McGinley with Planet Beach Contempo Spa says it will shake business up a bit. "We are willing to take the bullet and lower and change some prices just to keep people coming in the door." State regulations already keep a tight grip on business. You have to sign a consent form. "If any thing happens, we cant be liable because you have to be knowledgeable of what you are getting in to," said McGinley. Warnings are in every suite. And protective eyewear must be worn. At Planet Beach, minors under 14 must be accompanied by a parent. "It is a hundred percent U-V free, so it is safe for the skin." Tanning alternatives, like the Mystic Tan are also offered. " we tell a lot of our patients to get spray tanned," said Dr. Sarah Glorioso. At ArkLaTex Dermatology, doctors are seeing Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, in more younger patients. With more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer each year, Lawmakers are hoping the new tax will keep you out of the doctors office. "We do a lot of skin cancer surgery and it costs a lot of money each year," said Dr. Glorioso. Doctors are uncertain the new tax will keep tanners away. " Do I think it (tan tax) is stupid? yes. "Will i pay it? yes. Because I like to tan," said Rogers. The 10 percent tax goes into effect July 1st, 2010. It is expected to generate 2.7 billion dollars over the next ten years. Along with the new tax, The FDA is working to tighten regulations on the Tanning Bed industry. Minors could be banned from indoor tanning. And the danger classification for medical devices, which puts tanning beds at a level one, could change to level two and three. No recommendations have been made at this time.