The Impact of Tariffs on Patient Access to Medical Technology
This resource breaks down the cascading effects that tariffs could have on the U.S. medical technology sector and patient access to life-saving treatments. It outlines how tariff-imposed cost increases would be passed onto hospitals, potentially delaying critical surgeries and increasing financial strain on healthcare providers. The document highlights how tariffs disrupt North American supply chains, particularly with Mexico and Canada, which play a crucial role in manufacturing essential medical devices. With over 90% of medtech imports coming from allied nations, the document advocates for exemptions to avoid supply disruptions and protect patient care. It also offers strategic mitigation solutions, including delaying tariff implementation and establishing exclusion processes for critical medical products. If you’re a policymaker, healthcare professional, or medtech stakeholder, this resource provides essential insights into why medtech tariffs could harm the U.S. healthcare system and what can be done to prevent it.