“One of the best things we can do to reduce health care costs is to encourage behavior that helps people stay healthy and, failing that, catches potentially serious illnesses and diseases early,” said Senator Kane, who participated in the February 27th press conference at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Under the Healthy Living Tax Break, individuals and families who meet preventive care guidelines established by the Department of Public Health will be able to deduct out of pocket medical expenses (including premiums, co-pays and deductibles) from their state income tax. As the Department of Public Health works to create awareness for the Healthy Living Tax Break, Senate Republicans estimate that approximately 20% of families will take advantage of it in its first year, at an estimated cost of $20 million. As awareness for the tax incentive grows, Senate Republicans estimate that between 25% and 50% of families will take advantage of the tax credit at a cost of $25- to $50- million per year.

“We believe that many people would find it relatively easy to qualify for our proposed healthy living tax break. Doctors would make sure that their patients had all the preventive screenings recommended for their ages and genders and sign a certification form to be included with their state income tax filing. Also, the form would allow people to deduct health care premiums, co-pays and deductibles for the year,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane, a long-time resident of Watertown, was elected to represent the 32nd Senatorial District in a special election on January 15, 2008. In addition to Watertown, his district includes the communities of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston and Woodbury.