Michigan House Bill HB6233

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/4/24
• Refer: 12/4/24

Caption

Individual income tax: forms; health care coverage checkoff box and disclosure of insurance-relevant information; provide for. Amends sec. 471 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.471) & adds sec. 471a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0633'23

Impact

If enacted, HB 6233 would primarily affect the state's income tax structure by integrating healthcare-related questions directly into tax procedures. Beginning with the 2025 tax year, taxpayers will be prompted to disclose their insurance status, which may assist the state in connecting uninsured individuals with available health coverage options, such as Medicaid or Medicare. This change is expected to elevate awareness around public health options during tax season and may encourage more individuals to consider enrolling in affordable health programs.

Summary

House Bill 6233 aims to amend the Income Tax Act of 1967 by introducing new provisions that require individual taxpayers to include a health care coverage checkoff box on their income tax returns. This checkoff box will allow taxpayers to indicate if they and their family members are uninsured and also if they wish to participate in state-administered insurance affordability programs. By providing this option, the bill seeks to facilitate easier access to healthcare coverage for uninsured individuals, promoting public welfare through improved insurance participation.

Contention

Despite its public health intentions, the bill could raise concerns related to privacy, as it authorized the state to share individual tax return information with various health departments and agencies for eligibility verification of insurance programs. Critics might argue that this could infringe upon taxpayer confidentiality. Additionally, there may be broader implications regarding the state's role in individual health care decisions as more personal health information becomes connected to the income tax filing process.