0
0

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat membership in a health care sharing ministry as a medical expense, and for other purposes.

12/19/2024, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 8776

Bill 118 hr 8776, also known as the Health Care Sharing Ministry Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to recognize membership in a health care sharing ministry as a qualified medical expense. This bill would allow individuals who are members of these ministries to deduct their membership fees and any medical expenses shared among members from their taxable income.

Health care sharing ministries are organizations where members contribute money each month to help cover each other's medical expenses. These ministries are often used as an alternative to traditional health insurance and are typically based on religious or ethical beliefs.

The purpose of this bill is to provide recognition and support for individuals who choose to participate in health care sharing ministries by allowing them to receive tax benefits similar to those who have traditional health insurance. This could potentially make health care sharing ministries a more viable option for individuals seeking affordable health care coverage. Overall, the Health Care Sharing Ministry Act seeks to provide individuals with more options for accessing affordable health care and recognizes the growing popularity of health care sharing ministries as an alternative to traditional health insurance.

Congressional Summary of HR 8776

This bill provides that amounts paid for membership in a health care sharing ministry, including amounts paid for the sharing of medical expenses and administrative fees, are a tax-deductible medical expense. (Health care sharing ministries are faith-based organizations with members who share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and who contribute regular payments to cover the medical expenses of other members.)

Current Status of Bill HR 8776

Bill HR 8776 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 18, 2024. Bill HR 8776 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on June 18, 2024.  Bill HR 8776's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8776

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8776

Primary Policy Focus

Taxation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8776

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat membership in a health care sharing ministry as a medical expense, and for other purposes.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat membership in a health care sharing ministry as a medical expense, and for other purposes.

Comments