FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

June 7, 2004
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Arizona Makes Federal Health Coverage Tax Credit Available

Today, Treasury Secretary John Snow applauded Governor Janet Napolitano for signing legislation that allows the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to qualify for the Health Coverage Tax Credit Program (HCTC). The program will help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for many Arizona residents.

"I would like to thank the Republicans and Democrats in the legislature who voted for this legislation and Governor Napolitano for signing it," stated Treasury Secretary John Snow. "I would also like to thank Director of Insurance Christina Urias, Industrial Commission Director Orlando Macias and other interested parties in Arizona who have worked so hard to make the Health Coverage Tax Credit program available to over 1,900 workers and their families. I commend them for their leadership in enacting legislation that makes the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System available to those eligible for TAA benefits. The HCTC program is a real innovation in tax policy, one that we hope will lead the way for other innovations that help real people obtain the health care coverage that they need in a flexible and reliable way. We want to ensure that those who qualify for the credit get the help they need as quickly as possible."

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act President Bush signed into law in 2002 included the new Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). Recipients can receive the HCTC either in advance, to help pay qualified health plan premiums as they come due, or in a lump sum when they file their federal tax returns. The HCTC advance payments program began nationally in August 2003. This program provides an advanced payment of 65% of the premium cost for a qualified health plan for individuals who are eligible to receive Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits or certain individuals who receive pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

In order to receive the credit, eligible individuals must enroll in qualified health insurance, such as a COBRA health plan or State Qualified Health Plan (SQHP). Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have SQHPs that will enable more than 210,000 of those potentially eligible for the HCTC to purchase health coverage. Nationwide, there are nearly 250,000 individuals potentially eligible for the HCTC.

For more information on a particular state and the health insurance programs that qualify, please visit the HCTC website at www.irs.gov and enter IRS Keyword: HCTC.

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