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
Congress
118

Number
HR - 8776

Introduced on
2024-06-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

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.)

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

Policy Areas
Taxation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/4/2024

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 fa...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.