Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congressman Tom Cole Introduce Legislation to Bring Tax Parity to Programs that Address Health Professional Shortages for Native Americans
Washington,
April 3, 2020
Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congressman Tom Cole Introduce Legislation to Bring Tax Parity to Programs that Address Health Professional Shortages for Native Americans The Indian Health Service Health Professions Tax Fairness Act of 2020 would eliminate tax on awards under the Indian Health Professions Scholarships Program and payments made under the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program, like other government-support programs including the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program and the Army’s Health Professional Scholarship. The Indian Health Service (IHS) suffers from long-standing vacancy rates and faces ongoing challenges to filing provider vacancies. To recruit and retain health professionals, IHS offers scholarships and offers loan repayment assistance. “IHS provides care to nearly 60 percent of our country’s Native American and Alaska Native population. But IHS facilities face major shortages in providers, which makes it even harder to provide needed care to a community already experiencing health challenges from long-standing disparities. By exempting these programs from federal income tax requirements, we can remove financial barriers preventing IHS from reducing vacancies. Recruitment and retention of health care professionals is a serious problem that affects IHS’s ability to provide access to health care and patient health. We have an obligation to invest in the well-being of Native communities,” said Congresswoman Moore. “In a time when we need medical professionals joining the field the most, it is important to encourage those who want to follow their dream to help others. When it comes to tax on awards toward scholarships and loan repayment programs, tribal nations should have parity with the federal internal revenue code. Doing so ensures all students are afforded the same opportunities to succeed and ultimately give back to their communities by providing medical care and support that enriches and even saves more lives. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation,” said Congressman Cole. Endorsing organizations include the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and AI/AN Health Partners. Read the full text of the legislation here. |
