Senate GOP to slam medicare tax in upcoming debate

When the Senate begins debate on health reform legislation this afternoon, Republicans are expected to sharply criticize changes made to the Medicare tax. 

The tax applies a 3.8 percent tax on unearned income and adds another .9 percent tax to wages for individuals earning $200,000 and couples earning $250,000. 

The levy is also not indexed for inflation, meaning middle-class taxpayers could be liable for these taxes unless Congress intercedes. 

Republicans are expected to blast the provision because it will raise taxes on investments at a time of economic uncertainty. 

Without changes, the measure will increase taxes on capital gains and dividends from 15 percent to roughly 19 percent.