Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) is in the process of soliciting original co-sponsors to introduce the hearing aid tax credit in the coming weeks. Working with a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. McCarthy has amended the legislation by including a $200,000/year income eligibility cap to address concerns that the credit would benefit millionaires who do not need help. Several key members of the Ways and Means Committee have already agreed to become original co-sponsors of the bill which attracted 112 co-sponsors in the last Congress.
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is championing hearing aid tax credit legislation in the Senate, and he is considering changes to the Senate bill that would eliminate the age limitation that exempts from coverage people who are under 55 and who are not dependents. He is also working to attract other original co-sponsors of the legislation.
It is widely expected that significant overall healthcare reform will be considered this year, and HIA is working with its allies to insure that hearing health is not overlooked. Contact Andy Bopp for more details.
