Say WHAT???

National Journal reports,

Face-lifts, tummy tucks and hair transplants could be hit with a new tax to help finance the trillion-dollar healthcare overhaul plan, according to sources familiar with the Senate talks.

The Senate Finance Committee has discussed imposing a 10 percent excise tax on cosmetic surgery deemed unnecessary for medical purposes. The idea was broached in a meeting with OMB Director Orszag in mid-July, after which Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus told reporters he had heard some "interesting," "creative," and "kind of fun" ideas.

When informed of the plan, Nancy Pelosi was speechless:


If they pass this tax, expect a booming business by practitioners of the mental health professions who will certify the medical necessity of these procedures - for "self esteem" reasons and the like.

Alternatively, Americans will at last have a reason to go to Canada for treatment rather than the other way round.

Update: Don Surber explains that even if the tax is instituted, there's no money in it.