AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1698

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1698

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Income Tax Treatment Of Employer Contributions For An Employee's Membership In A Healthcare Sharing Ministry Or Other Medical Cost-sharing Program.

Impact

If enacted, the law would create a more favorable tax environment for employer contributions to healthcare sharing ministries, which are often viewed as alternative forms of health insurance. By excluding these contributions from taxable income starting in tax years after January 1, 2026, the bill aims to incentivize employers to support their employees' healthcare through these alternative routes. This legislative change might lead to increased participation in healthcare sharing ministries across the state, potentially impacting the overall healthcare market.

Summary

House Bill 1698 seeks to amend the existing income tax laws in Arkansas specifically concerning employer contributions to healthcare sharing ministries and medical cost-sharing programs. The bill proposes to exclude these employer contributions from being considered as part of an employee's gross income, thereby allowing for a tax deduction for such contributions. This change is intended to encourage more employers to contribute to alternative healthcare financing options, giving employees additional flexibility in their healthcare choices.

Contention

While some see HB1698 as a progressive step towards supporting alternative healthcare options, others may raise concerns regarding the adequacy and comprehensiveness of healthcare sharing ministries compared to traditional insurance. Critics could argue that promoting these programs without adequate regulation might leave employees vulnerable to unexpected medical costs. Moreover, the bill could spark a debate on the relationship between employer-provided healthcare and tax policy, as well as the implications of expanding the definition of qualifying health coverage.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1259

To Create The Healthcare Cost-sharing Collections Act.

AR SB122

To Create The Healthcare Cost-sharing Collections Act.

AR HB1400

To Adopt The Federal Tax Credit For Employers Who Provide Paid Family And Medical Leave For Their Employees.

AR HB1747

To Amend The Law Concerning Rural Medical Practice Student Loans And Scholarships; And To Amend The Law To Include Students Enrolled In Additional Medical Programs As Eligible For Receipt Of Rural Medical Practice Loans.

AR HB1421

To Create An Income Tax Credit For Contributions To Certain Rural Hospital Organizations; And To Create The Helping Enhance Access To Rural Treatment (heart) Act.

AR SB491

To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Employees Of Institutions Of Higher Education; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB278

To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR HB1451

Regarding Employment; And To Require Employers To Provide Unpaid Leave On Veterans Day To Veteran Employees.

AR SB518

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.

AR HB1492

To Amend The Income Tax Credit For Apprenticeship Programs; And To Increase The Income Tax Credit Allowed For Apprenticeship Programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.