Connecticut House Bill HB05065

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/18
• Refer: 2/13/18

Caption

An Act Establishing A Credit Against The Hospitals Tax For Hospitals That Make Beds Available For Opioid Addiction Treatment Services.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05065 would amend relevant sections of the state's general statutes regarding hospital taxation. The bill establishes a pilot program to facilitate the tax credit, thus aligning financial incentives with public health objectives. By offering this credit, the legislation aims to increase the availability of treatment options for opioid addiction, potentially reducing the burden on state healthcare systems and improving outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.

Summary

House Bill 05065 introduces a new initiative aimed at tackling the opioid addiction crisis by providing tax incentives for hospitals. Specifically, the bill proposes a credit against the existing hospitals tax for those that offer beds for opioid addiction treatment services. This strategic move seeks to encourage healthcare facilities to participate more actively in addressing the opioid epidemic by expanding treatment capacity.

Contention

While the bill is designed to bolster efforts to combat opioid addiction, it may not be without its criticisms. Opponents could argue that utilizing tax incentives as a means to influence hospital behavior may divert necessary funds from other critical healthcare services. The bill's structure may also raise questions regarding how effectively it can incentivize participation without overburdening state resources or leading to unintended consequences within healthcare priorities.