Chris Faddis, president of Solidarity HealthShare, said his company is grateful for the recently-introduced "Health Care Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act."
That bill, introduced last week by U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), and Chris Smith (R-NJ), would allow American taxpayers who are members of Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) to deduct payments made as part of their ministry membership on their taxes by classifying these expenses as eligible medical care expenses.
"Solidarity is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman Mike Kelly and his team, who have consistently taken the lead in working for tax parity for healthcare sharing ministry members," said Faddis. "His introduction of the Health Care Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act has the potential to be a game changer for families who have chosen to escape the troubled landscape of traditional health insurance but have been unable to benefit from tax deductions available to other Americans."
"This bill is the culmination of an industry-wide effort to provide tax relief to members of healthcare sharing ministries," Faddis said. "We extend our thanks to co-sponsors Rep. Greg Murphy, MD, and Rep. Chris Smith, longtime champions of the pro-life movement and religious liberty, as well as Sen. Ted Budd, who introduced the Senate companion bill.
Health Care Sharing Ministries are tax-exempt, faith-based charities that facilitate payments for medical care bills among members. An estimated 1.3 million Americans participate in these ministries, sharing over $1 billion in medical expenses annually. Currently, HCSM members cannot deduct membership expenses as medical expenses on their tax returns—a gap this bill seeks to address.
"Americans should have choices when it comes to their health care," said Rep. Kelly in introducing the bill. "For many families, traditional insurance is a great option. For some, however, particularly people of faith, alternative options such as Health Care Sharing Ministries more closely align with their values." He emphasized that the legislation would preserve this choice for families by allowing them to deduct payments made as part of their ministry membership in their taxes.
Faddis also thanked the Alliance of Healthcare Sharing and other healthcare sharing ministry partners for supporting the legislation.
"With their leadership and support, we believe that tax deductibility of healthcare sharing ministry contributions may be achievable this year," Faddis said.
Solidarity HealthShare operates as a healthcare sharing ministry providing a community-based approach to managing healthcare costs. Members share medical expenses based on ethical and moral values while promoting transparency and affordability in healthcare. The organization functions on principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, encouraging members to support one another directly and address healthcare issues at the community level.