Connecticut House Bill HB06538

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/15
• Refer: 1/26/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Deductibility Of Expenses For Skilled Nursing Care Or Home Health Care Under The Personal Income Tax.

Impact

If enacted, HB06538 would positively impact numerous taxpayers faced with the high costs of long-term care. The ability to deduct such expenses from personal income tax could alleviate financial burdens for families and encourage individuals to seek necessary medical care without the overwhelming worry of potential tax penalties. The alignment with federal tax provisions also simplifies the tax filing process for residents, making it easier for them to claim these deductions effectively.

Summary

House Bill 06538 proposes an amendment to the state tax code to allow for the deduction of expenses related to skilled nursing care or home health care under the personal income tax. The bill aims to align state tax deductions with those available under federal tax law. By enabling residents who incur costs for nursing home stays or hiring home health aides to deduct these expenses from their taxable income, the bill seeks to provide financial relief to families managing healthcare for their loved ones who require assistance.

Contention

While the bill is primarily designed to support families with healthcare expenses, potential points of contention may arise regarding the financial implications for the state. Critics might raise concerns about the potential decrease in state revenue due to increased deductions, which could affect funding for other essential services. Furthermore, discussions around equity may surface, questioning whether such deductions disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals who may have more significant access to skilled nursing care.

Notable_points

The introduction of HB06538 reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible healthcare. It aligns with broader trends in legislation aimed at supporting an aging population and those with chronic health conditions. The bill has the potential to set a precedent for future tax reforms aimed at better supporting healthcare costs and related deductions in state law.