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Committee on Ways and Means

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office 202-225-8933
February 11, 2002

Making Health Care Affordable for
Displaced Workers
Health Insurance Tax Credits the Focus of Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON—This week Ways and Means will explore how tax credits can help unemployed workers cover their health care costs. 

Following the events of September 11 and subsequent economic downturn, many Americans have lost their jobs and now find the cost of health care beyond their means.  Congress is long overdue in providing needed assistance to these individuals.

 On December 20, the House passed legislation that would allow displaced workers to receive a tax credit to cover 60% of their health care premiums.  Unfortunately, the Senate did not act on this legislation.  The President’s 2003 fiscal year budget outlines a tax credit that would address the broader challenge of helping the nearly 38.5 million Americans without health insurance.

 “While the Senate has failed to act on a proposal to help the uninsured, I am committed to working with Republicans, Democrats and the Administration to ensure access to quality, affordable health insurance to help the unemployed," said Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA).

 For more information see:  http://waysandmeans.house.gov/fullcomm/107cong/fc-14.htm