McNamara bill would exempt certain health care products from state taxes

Posted 1/14/20

Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would exempt certain health care products from the state's sales tax. The legislation would exempt home health care products from taxation, including walkers,

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McNamara bill would exempt certain health care products from state taxes

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Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would exempt certain health care products from the state's sales tax.

The legislation would exempt home health care products from taxation, including walkers, wheelchairs, ramps, stair lifts or any product that assists an individual in remaining living in their own home, as opposed to a nursing facility.

"As Rhode Island's population ages, it's important for us to do what we can to ease the burden of those who have shouldered the burden all their lives," said McNamara. "When people with disabilities stay active and independent, they don't utilize health care services to the degree that they would in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Modifying homes reduces falls and related hospital and rehabilitation expenses."

McNamara, who chairs the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, has been a long-time advocate for programs that keep the elderly and disabled in their homes by empowering them through home modification.

Last session, he introduced legislation that was included in the state budget to provide funding for the Rhode Island Livable Home Modification Grant Act. The grant allows eligible homeowners and renters to retrofit their residence to nationally recognized accessibility standards and receive 50 percent of the total sum spent, up to $5,000, to retrofit their existing residence.

The program is aimed at helping Rhode Island's aging population stay safely in their homes longer rather than over burdening the state's nursing homes, which costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year in Medicaid costs. With the state's aging population rising each year, there is a distinct need for housing that is safe and adapted to the needs of the elderly.

One of the keys for an individual with a disability to remain in their community is the ability to get into and out of their own home and navigate safely within that home, with or without assistance. Renovating a residence by removing barriers allows the individual to stay safely and independently within their home, and out of long-term care facilities.

The bill, which is cosponsored by Representatives James B. Jackson (D-Dist. 26, West Warwick, Coventry Warwick), Mia Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), and Julie Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter), has been referred to the House Finance Committee.

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