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In reply to the discussion: So taxpayers are subsidizing Big Pharma's TV advertising [View all]jberryhill
(62,444 posts)57. What is it we disagree about?
I'm not even sure what it is we disagree about.
The piece is deceptively written. If someone wants to argue for a special provision under which prescription pharmaceutical advertising is not a deductible business expense, then they should do so honestly, and not act as if it is a "loophole" or special benefit to them of some kind.
Secondly, the pharmaceutical business has never been considered to be anything other than a profit making business. Or do you also have an issue with advertising of over-the-counter medications as well?
But if the issue is "healthcare advertising" more broadly, then I see advertisements for hospitals and medical practices on television all of the time. I see advertisements for cancer treatment centers, and other specialty medical services. Why should they be excluded from the same effort? I also see advertisements for health insurance.
Since your point is about "healthcare", then surely you agree that Shaheen does not go far enough here, and that the elimination of the deductibility of advertising expenses should go for ALL "healthcare" businesses. Correct?
Or are doctors and hospitals not, in your opinion, "vital and necessary services" which operate under heavy regulation?
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I blame insurance companies for what they have created for all of us...
Crutchez_CuiBono
Jan 2019
#21
No wonder we get a barrage of ads. They spend other people's money. What a PR cash cow.
ancianita
Jan 2019
#13
I thought advertising was a standard business expense that's tax deductible?
CaptainTruth
Jan 2019
#23
Yeah, something's fishy about that quote in OP. Not enough information to make any case. . . . nt
Bernardo de La Paz
Jan 2019
#39
Yup. It is anti-progressive to use dishonestly deceptive wording for progressive causes. . . . nt
Bernardo de La Paz
Jan 2019
#56
Personally i think direct to consumer advertising of drugs should be prohibited.
CaptainTruth
Jan 2019
#26
Are you f'ing kidding me?! What's the loophole? How didit get there? I wanna know the details.
KPN
Jan 2019
#29
That's exactly what I figured. If we can regulate tobacco tv ads out of existence on the basis of
KPN
Jan 2019
#32
I think it is interesting that the drugs to give you "clear skin" can lead to
demigoddess
Jan 2019
#36
Subsidizing? Like taxpayers subsidize Ford & Momsy's Pie Cafe & TidyBowl advertising?
Bernardo de La Paz
Jan 2019
#38
If a business deducting the cost of advertising constitutes a "government subsidy"...
PoliticAverse
Jan 2019
#52