Texas Senate Bill SB775

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the applicability of the sales and use tax to medical billing services.

Impact

If enacted, SB775 would directly affect how medical billing services are taxed in Texas, ensuring these services do not face additional sales tax charges. This change represents a significant shift for healthcare providers who rely on medical billing services as it may reduce overall operational costs. Consequently, this bill aims to reinforce financial viability in the healthcare sector by explicitly removing these services from the tax bracket that affects other forms of medical practice.

Summary

Senate Bill 775 aims to amend the Texas Tax Code to clarify the applicability of sales and use tax concerning medical billing services. The bill explicitly states that medical billing services, including coding for medical claims, verifying insurance eligibility, and preparing claims for filing, will not be classified under insurance services which typically incur sales tax. This legislative action is an effort to exempt medical billing services from sales tax liabilities, thereby alleviating financial burdens on healthcare practitioners and service providers.

Conclusion

Overall, SB775 reflects a legislative attempt to balance the needs of the state's healthcare system with the necessity of maintaining state tax revenues. As healthcare continues to evolve, such measures could set a precedent for how other health-related services are treated within state taxation, influencing future legislation on healthcare economics in Texas.

Contention

Supporters of SB775 argue that tax exemptions for medical billing services are necessary to support the healthcare industry, particularly as it grapples with rising operational costs. By ensuring that these services are tax-exempt, lawmakers are looking to create an environment that fosters better healthcare service delivery. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding potential revenue losses for the state and argue that such exemptions could pave the way for a slippery slope of tax breaks that may not be sustainable in the long term.