McNamara Introduces Bill Exempting Wheelchairs, Walkers and Other Health Items from Sales Tax
Monday, January 13, 2020
State Representative Joseph McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) introduced legislation that would exempt certain home healthcare products such as wheelchairs from sales tax.
“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. 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,” said McNamara.
McNamara chairs the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.
The Legislation
The legislation would exempt home health care products from taxation, including walkers, wheelchairs, ramps, stairlifts, or any product that assists an individual in remaining living in their own home, as opposed to a nursing facility.
Last session, McNamara introduced a bill 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 going to the state’s nursing homes.
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