Did you know that Washington State is one of only three states in the country that impose sales tax on home medical equipment & supplies?
On Wednesday, January 17, 2007, Washington State Rep. Ross Hunter (D-District 48) introduced House Bill 1324. The Washington State Senate companion bill is SB 5648.
That legislation is supported by the Pacific Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (PAMES), the Washington State Pharmacy Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and countless elderly and disabled citizens being cared for in the home.
Prescribed durable medical equipment used in the home includes hospital beds and accessories, respiratory equipment, patient lifts, aids to daily living, commodes and mobility enhancing equipment such as walkers, canes, manual and power-driven wheelchairs and power operated scooters.
The current Washington State law is confusing and lacks consistency, exempting some types of prescribed home equipment and excluding others. Currently, home medical oxygen, ostomy supplies, diabetic supplies, orthotic and prosthetic devices are exempt. However, other necessary items such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, CPAP machines (used for sleep apnea), nebulizers, walkers, etc., are taxable.
This legislation recognizes that there are many individuals within the state who have significant illnesses, injuries, and disabilities and that for medical reasons require the use of prescribed home medical equipment as defined within HB 1324. Providing a sales tax exemption for this equipment will acknowledge that those dependent upon this necessary equipment will not be additionally burdened with the expense of tax on their medical recovery or care.
All but three states in the United States provide similar relief and each of the states surrounding Washington have laws that recognize the need for home medical equipment sales tax exemptions to support recovery. They agree that care "at home" is preferable and less costly than hospital or nursing home care.
To prevent undue financial hardship on consumers, the need for sales tax relief on medical equipment must be communicated clearly and passionately by all stakeholders to the Washington State Legislators.
Care Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment feels that sales tax on home medical equipment and supplies places an unacceptable financial burden on you and all prescribed home medical equipment and supplies should be exempt from sales tax.
Like the food we eat to sustain our bodies, many people require home medical equipment and supplies for continued health and well being. Patients and their families should not be burdened with the expense of sales tax on their medical recovery or care. These necessities should never be taxed.
For the past seven years, Care Medical has been leading the effort to exempt prescribed home medical equipment from sales tax.
Please join us in our effort and contact your legislator today and urge them to support House Bill 1324 & Senate Bill 5648.
