Guest columnist: Florida medical device sales tax exemption helps improve access to care
The lack of availability of affordable diapers and breast pumps underscores the persistent gaps in health care accessibility. These devices area essential for the health and well-being of individuals and their families. Yet, their high costs and limited insurance coverage restrict access, especially for those already facing financial difficulties.
This situation exacerbates health inequities and hampers the ability of vulnerable populations to receive necessary care and support. Across the U.S., access to care and coverage has been an ongoing challenge despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act more than a decade ago. While the law aimed to address disparities in health care access, certain key products and services — like diapers and breast pumps — remain largely inaccessible to the majority of the population, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities.
Understanding these gaps in accessibility to both breast pumps and diapers, Florida legislators created a permanent tax elimination in May that extends to breast pumps, diapers and senior incontinence supplies, all of which will greatly improve the lives of many Floridians who struggle to afford these products. Florida was home to more than 200,000 new moms in 2020, a figure expected to grow annually, of which many consider breast pumps for child feeding.
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The state is also home to millions of senior citizens who use incontinence products daily.
The exemption from state sales tax is expected to have several impacts on the state. First, it will provide financial relief to families by reducing the cost burden associated with these essential medical devices. The exemption will make diapers and breast pumps more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income families who may struggle to meet these expenses.
This can improve the overall health and well-being of families in Florida, as they will have better access to necessary health care products. This initiative also sets a precedent for recognizing the importance of specific medical devices in promoting public health. It may encourage policymakers to consider similar tax exemptions for other essential health care items and could serve as a model for future legislative changes that prioritize health care affordability and equity.
In addition to decreasing the financial burden that financially disadvantaged individuals and families face when trying to access these products, this tax exemption will create a domino effect to also reduce the strain on health care systems by preventing or mitigating more severe health issues. Furthermore, it sends a message that Florida recognizes and values the importance of these devices in supporting individuals' overall health, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants, new mothers and low-income families.
To address health care disparities, it is crucial for policymakers, health care providers and relevant stakeholders to recognize the need for comprehensive and inclusive health care policies. This involves not only ensuring universal access to essential medical devices, but also addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to health disparities. Efforts should continue to be made to improve affordability, expand insurance coverage and develop programs that provide assistance to those in need.
Ultimately, achieving health equity requires a multifaceted approach that combines policy reforms, increased accessibility and targeted support for vulnerable populations. By addressing the current gaps in accessible medical devices and recognizing the unique challenges faced by different communities, we can work towards a more equitable health care system that provides equal opportunities for all individuals to lead healthy lives.
To push for more legislative changes like this diaper and breast pump tax exemption, health care organizations can play a crucial role. They can engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the importance of accessible medical devices and the impact of tax policies on health care access. Other important actions include collaborating with advocacy groups, participating in public hearings and engaging with policymakers to provide evidence-based arguments and insights into the positive impact of such exemptions.
By leveraging their expertise and influence, health care organizations can contribute to the formation of policies that prioritize health care affordability and accessibility.
Amanda Minimi, director of corporate development, Aeroflow Healthcare, Tampa
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Medical devices more affordable in Florida with elimination of tax
