(July 1, 2010)—A 10 percent tax went into effect Thursday as part of President Barack Obama’s health care reform law that adds a 10 percent tax to the price of a tanning-bed session.

Doctors consider the tax a deterrent to indoor tanning, which they say increases the risk of melanoma and it’s expected to generate $2.7 billion over the next decade.

It doesn’t apply to spray tans and tanning lotions.
Emily McNear; manager of Aloha Tan in Temple, says her customers are well aware of the risks, already.

“Tanning is just another thing, she said. “There's good benefits and there's negative.”

“If you overdo it...if skin cancer runs in your family and you overexpose yourself on a regular basis, there might be some negative outcomes." McNear said.

For the average customer at Aloha Tan, the new tax will add about $1 more per visit, McNear said.

Customer Julie Gage said she doesn't tan frequently and the new federal tanning tax won't stop her from tanning.

"I don't tan too often, so it wouldn't be too much money out of my pocket." Gage said.