Carney, Platts Introduce Legislation to Assist Families Caring for Loved Ones with Long Term Health Needs

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Christopher Carney (D-PA-10) and Todd Platts (R-PA-19) Wednesday introduced “The Caregiver Tax Relief Act of 2008 (H.R. 6448),” which would provide a $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals who are caring for an elderly relative or a child with long-term health care needs.

Family caregivers provide about 80 percent of all long-term care services in the United States.  The fastest growing segment of the American population is people over the age of 85 – and those numbers are expected to increase by half over the next 20 years.  According to the Pew Research Center, 60 percent of adults between the ages of 41 and 59 had at least one living parent in 1989. In 2005, that number rose to 71 percent.

“The way we take care of our seniors tells a lot about us as a community.  Today, a lot of families are taking on the responsibility of caring for an aging parent.  We should be helping these families in need, and helping seniors stay close to their loved ones.  The Caregiver Tax Relief Act provides assistance to seniors and their families, and makes it easier for these families to stay together.  This means helping a working mother who also cares for her elderly father, or making it easier for families to all chip in to pay for long-term care.  I see families doing this every day, but caregivers also need to take care of themselves.  This tax break makes care giving a little bit easier.  I will fight to make sure this legislation becomes a reality,” said Congressman Carney.

“Individuals who take the responsibility to care for their loved ones are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system and save taxpayers millions of dollars every year,” said Congressman Platts.  “This legislation will help keep families together and provides a small measure of relief to individuals and families making enormous personal sacrifices each and every day.”

H.R. 6448 would provide the $2,500 credit for individuals with family incomes of up to $150,000 or an individual income of up to $75,000.  The credit would be reduced by $100 for each $1,000 which the individual’s income exceeds $75,000 or $150,000.  The income qualification would be adjusted each year for inflation.