California to Eliminate Sales Tax on Breast Pumps
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that will make breast pumps and related supplies exempt from sales tax for five years. AB 1203, introduced by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, M.D. (D-Delano, Calif.) takes effect April 1, 2024.
Bains said the new law would save families an estimated $100 million in taxes over five years, and she lauded the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants, noting that babies who are breastfed “have lower rates of short- and long-term illnesses including asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. For parents, breastfeeding is shown to protect against breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.”
AAHomecare: Number of DMEPOS Locations Still Declining
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has reported “a slight decline” in the number of traditional DMEPOS supplier locations compared to last quarter.
The Oct. 25 announcement estimated there are currently 8,088 Medicare DMEPOS locations across the United States, a decrease of about 100 locations compared to July statistics. “We continue to show a 37-percent decrease in traditional DME supplier locations since 2013,” AAHomecare said.
