Reps. Russo, Boyd Introduce the Caregiver Expenses Tax Credit

State Reps. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) today announced the introduction of The Caregiver Expenses Tax Credit, a bill that would provide a tax credit for certain expenses incurred by a family caregiver for the care and support of a qualifying family member. To qualify, the family member must be age 18 or over and require assistance with at least one activity of daily living.

“Putting families first requires us to proactively address the challenges of caring for seniors and those living with chronic health conditions,” said Rep. Russo. “It is important that we develop ways of relieving the financial burden for families now, so that caregivers can continue to support their loved ones at home and in the community, while avoiding unnecessary costs to the state’s healthcare system.”

“Most of us will become caregivers to a loved one, at some point in our lives. In fact, many of us will need a loved one to become our caregiver. This is one of the least political facts of life we’ll ever debate in the Ohio legislature. Caregivers provide necessary healthcare support, companionship and so much more. Our caregivers take time from their other obligations- work, school, perhaps even their own families- to nurture their loved one back to stability,” said Rep. Boyd. “They shouldn’t have to worry about paying their bills or losing their own homes because they’ve selected to keep their loved one out of institutionalized care. Who among us would not want our caregivers to be whole? This tax credit represents us assisting Ohio’s caregivers stay whole.” 

Ohio’s population is aging, with more residents aged 60 and over than those under the age of 20. Currently, an estimated 1.7 million Ohioans provide caregiving services for their aging and disabled loved ones. Studies show that an average of 20 percent of a family’s income goes towards paying for caregiving costs, with caregivers contributing almost $7,000 in out-of-pocket costs to their loved one’s care.