Us Congress House Bill HB1215

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23

Caption

Healthcare Worker Retention Act

Impact

If enacted, HB1215 will amend the Internal Revenue Code to introduce a new provision allowing eligible healthcare workers to receive tax credits, which could significantly improve their net income. The semiannual nature of the payments, aligned with the tax year, is also intended to provide more immediate financial support, potentially enabling these workers to cover living expenses or education costs. The bill's provisions will be crucial in fostering a more stable workforce in healthcare environments, which are facing increasing demands for services.

Summary

House Bill 1215, known as the Healthcare Worker Retention Act, proposes the establishment of a refundable tax credit aimed at supporting healthcare workers. The bill seeks to provide a $1,000 tax credit ($2,000 for joint filers) to eligible individuals who work in healthcare settings for a minimum of 20 hours per week over the course of six months. This measure is primarily designed to provide financial relief to healthcare professionals and to help retain these essential workers within the healthcare system, particularly in light of staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contention

While the bill is generally welcomed as a supportive measure for healthcare workers, there may be debates around the criteria for eligibility and the impact of the tax credit on long-term fiscal policy. Concerns could arise regarding funding for the credits and the implications for other taxpayers if these credits compromise the overall tax revenue. Stakeholders from both sides may also express differing views on whether such targeted tax relief is the best approach to address workforce retention or if a broader strategy is needed.