[20020829]RS21291_2002年《改善获得长期护理的机会法案》.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21291Updated August 29, 2002Improving Access to Long-Term Care Act of 2002Louis Alan TalleySpecialist in TaxationGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryThis report discusses providing an additional exemption amount to taxpayers whocare for family members with long-term care needs. H.R. 4946, approved by the Houseof Representatives on July 25 (362 to 61), would provide that this partial personalexemption would be phased in over a 10-year period. The bills purpose is to help withthe increased costs borne by those who care for family members within the confines oftheir own homes. The primary argument advanced for instituting this tax benefit is tohelp provide for an alternative to institutional care. Research has long shown thatindividuals prefer home care to nursing home care. Advocates of the proposal note thatan increase in home care may reduce current expenditures made through the Medicaidprogram for nursing home care and amounts claimed under the medical expensededuction. Those who argue against this new tax deduction typically argue that thesubsidy is too small to