[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5559 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 5559

   To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a 
deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, use of such 
insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, and 
          a credit for individuals with long-term care needs.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 6, 2008

  Mr. Putnam introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Ways and Means

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a 
deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, use of such 
insurance under cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements, and 
          a credit for individuals with long-term care needs.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Long-Term Care and Retirement 
Security Act of 2008''.

SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF PREMIUMS ON QUALIFIED LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE 
              CONTRACTS.

    (a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized 
deductions) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and 
by inserting after section 223 the following new section:

``SEC. 224. PREMIUMS ON QUALIFIED LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE CONTRACTS.

    ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be 
allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the applicable percentage of 
eligible long-term care premiums (as defined in section 213(d)(10)) 
paid during the taxable year for coverage for the taxpayer and the 
taxpayer's spouse and dependents under a qualified long-term care 
insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B(b)).
    ``(b) Applicable Percentage.--For purposes of subsection (a), the 
applicable percentage shall be determined in accordance with the 
following table:

``For taxable years beginning                            The applicable
  in calendar year--                                    percentage is--
        2009 or 2010.......................................         25 
        2011...............................................         35 
        2012...............................................         65 
        2013 or thereafter.................................        100.
    ``(c) Coordination With Other Deductions.--Any amount paid by a 
taxpayer for any qualified long-term care insurance contract to which 
subsection (a) applies shall not be taken into account in computing the 
amount allowable to the taxpayer as a deduction under section 162(l) or 
213(a).''.
    (b) Long-Term Care Insurance Permitted To Be Offered Under 
Cafeteria Plans and Flexible Spending Arrangements.--
            (1) Cafeteria plans.--The last sentence of section 125(f) 
        of such Code (defining qualified benefits) is amended by 
        inserting before the period at the end ``; except that such 
        term shall include the payment of premiums for any qualified 
        long-term care insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B) 
        to the extent the amount of such payment does not exceed the 
        eligible long-term care premiums (as defined in section 
        213(d)(10)) for such contract''.
            (2) Flexible spending arrangements.--Section 106 of such 
        Code (relating to contributions by an employer to accident and 
        health plans) is amended by striking subsection (c) and 
        redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and 
        (d), respectively.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 62(a) of such Code is amended by inserting 
        before the last sentence at the end the following new 
        paragraph:
            ``(22) Premiums on qualified long-term care insurance 
        contracts.--The deduction allowed by section 224.''.
            (2) Sections 223(b)(4)(B), 223(d)(4)(C), 223(f)(3)(B), 
        3231(e)(11), 3306(b)(18), 3401(a)(22), 4973(g)(1), and 
        4973(g)(2)(B)(i) of such Code are each amended by striking 
        ``section 106(d)'' and inserting ``section 106(c)''.
            (3) Section 223(c)(1)(B)(iii)(II) of such Code is amended 
        by striking ``106(e)'' and inserting ``106(d)''.
            (4) Section 6041 of such Code is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``(as defined 
                in section 106(c)(2))'', and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new 
                subsection:
    ``(h) Flexible Spending Arrangement Defined.--For purposes of this 
section, a flexible spending arrangement is a benefit program which 
provides employees with coverage under which--
            ``(1) specified incurred expenses may be reimbursed 
        (subject to reimbursement maximums and other reasonable 
        conditions), and
            ``(2) the maximum amount of reimbursement which is 
        reasonably available to a participant for such coverage is less 
        than 500 percent of the value of such coverage.
In the case of an insured plan, the maximum amount reasonably available 
shall be determined on the basis of the underlying coverage.''.
            (5) The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of 
        chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last item and 
        inserting the following new items:

``Sec. 224. Premiums on qualified long-term care insurance contracts.
``Sec. 225. Cross reference.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS.

    (a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable 
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25D the 
following new section:

``SEC. 25E. CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--
            ``(1) In general.--There shall be allowed as a credit 
        against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an 
        amount equal to the applicable credit amount multiplied by the 
        number of applicable individuals with respect to whom the 
        taxpayer is an eligible caregiver for the taxable year.
            ``(2) Applicable credit amount.--For purposes of paragraph 
        (1), the applicable credit amount shall be determined in 
        accordance with the following table:

``For taxable years beginning                            The applicable
  in calendar year--                                 credit amount is--
        2009...............................................      1,500 
        2010...............................................      2,000 
        2011...............................................      2,500 
        2012 or thereafter.................................      3,000.
    ``(b) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.--
            ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowable under 
        subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $100 
        for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's 
        modified adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount. 
        For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `modified 
        adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross income increased by 
        any amount excluded from gross income under section 911, 931, 
        or 933.
            ``(2) Threshold amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
        term `threshold amount' means--
                    ``(A) $150,000 in the case of a joint return, and
                    ``(B) $75,000 in any other case.
            ``(3) Indexing.--In the case of any taxable year beginning 
        in a calendar year after 2009, each dollar amount contained in 
        paragraph (2) shall be increased by an amount equal to the 
        product of--
                    ``(A) such dollar amount, and
                    ``(B) the medical care cost adjustment determined 
                under section 213(d)(10)(B)(ii) for the calendar year 
                in which the taxable year begins, determined by 
                substituting `August 2008' for `August 1996' in 
                subclause (II) thereof.
        If any increase determined under the preceding sentence is not 
        a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the next 
        lowest multiple of $50.
    ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
            ``(1) Applicable individual.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `applicable individual' 
                means, with respect to any taxable year, any individual 
                who has been certified, before the due date for filing 
                the return of tax for the taxable year (without 
                extensions), by a physician (as defined in section 
                1861(r)(1) of the Social Security Act) as being an 
                individual with long-term care needs described in 
                subparagraph (B) for a period--
                            ``(i) which is at least 180 consecutive 
                        days, and
                            ``(ii) a portion of which occurs within the 
                        taxable year.
                Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a certification 
                shall not be treated as valid unless it is made within 
                the 39\1/2\ month period ending on such due date (or 
                such other period as the Secretary prescribes).
                    ``(B) Individuals with long-term care needs.--An 
                individual is described in this subparagraph if the 
                individual meets any of the following requirements:
                            ``(i) The individual is at least 6 years of 
                        age and--
                                    ``(I) is unable to perform (without 
                                substantial assistance from another 
                                individual) at least 3 activities of 
                                daily living (as defined in section 
                                7702B(c)(2)(B)) due to a loss of 
                                functional capacity, or
                                    ``(II) requires substantial 
                                supervision to protect such individual 
                                from threats to health and safety due 
                                to severe cognitive impairment and is 
                                unable to perform, without reminding or 
                                cuing assistance, at least 1 activity 
                                of daily living (as so defined) or to 
                                the extent provided in regulations 
                                prescribed by the Secretary (in 
                                consultation with the Secretary of 
                                Health and Human Services), is unable 
                                to engage in age appropriate 
                                activities.
                            ``(ii) The individual is at least 2 but not 
                        6 years of age and is unable due to a loss of 
                        functional capacity to perform (without 
                        substantial assistance from another individual) 
                        at least 2 of the following activities: eating, 
                        transferring, or mobility.
                            ``(iii) The individual is under 2 years of 
                        age and requires specific durable medical 
                        equipment by reason of a severe health 
                        condition or requires a skilled practitioner 
                        trained to address the individual's condition 
                        to be available if the individual's parents or 
                        guardians are absent.
            ``(2) Eligible caregiver.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A taxpayer shall be treated as 
                an eligible caregiver for any taxable year with respect 
                to the following individuals:
                            ``(i) The taxpayer.
                            ``(ii) The taxpayer's spouse.
                            ``(iii) An individual with respect to whom 
                        the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under 
                        section 151(c) for the taxable year.
                            ``(iv) An individual who would be described 
                        in clause (iii) for the taxable year if section 
                        151(c) were applied by substituting for the 
                        exemption amount an amount equal to the sum of 
                        the exemption amount, the standard deduction 
                        under section 63(c)(2)(C), and any additional 
                        standard deduction under section 63(c)(3) which 
                        would be applicable to the individual if clause 
                        (iii) applied.
                            ``(v) An individual who would be described 
                        in clause (iii) for the taxable year if--
                                    ``(I) the requirements of clause 
                                (iv) are met with respect to the 
                                individual, and
                                    ``(II) the requirements of 
                                subparagraph (B) are met with respect 
                                to the individual in lieu of the 
                                support test under subsection (c)(1)(D) 
                                or (d)(1)(C) of section 152.
                    ``(B) Residency test.--The requirements of this 
                subparagraph are met if an individual has as his 
                principal place of abode the home of the taxpayer and--
                            ``(i) in the case of an individual who is 
                        an ancestor or descendant of the taxpayer or 
                        the taxpayer's spouse, is a member of the 
                        taxpayer's household for over half the taxable 
                        year, or
                            ``(ii) in the case of any other individual, 
                        is a member of the taxpayer's household for the 
                        entire taxable year.
                    ``(C) Special rules where more than 1 eligible 
                caregiver.--
                            ``(i) In general.--If more than 1 
                        individual is an eligible caregiver with 
                        respect to the same applicable individual for 
                        taxable years ending with or within the same 
                        calendar year, a taxpayer shall be treated as 
                        the eligible caregiver if each such individual 
                        (other than the taxpayer) files a written 
                        declaration (in such form and manner as the 
                        Secretary may prescribe) that such individual 
                        will not claim such applicable individual for 
                        the credit under this section.
                            ``(ii) No agreement.--If each individual 
                        required under clause (i) to file a written 
                        declaration under clause (i) does not do so, 
                        the individual with the highest adjusted gross 
                        income shall be treated as the eligible 
                        caregiver.
                            ``(iii) Married individuals filing 
                        separately.--In the case of married individuals 
                        filing separately, the determination under this 
                        subparagraph as to whether the husband or wife 
                        is the eligible caregiver shall be made under 
                        the rules of clause (ii) (whether or not one of 
                        them has filed a written declaration under 
                        clause (i)).
    ``(d) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under 
this section to a taxpayer with respect to any applicable individual 
unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification 
number of such individual, and the identification number of the 
physician certifying such individual, on the return of tax for the 
taxable year.
    ``(e) Taxable Year Must Be Full Taxable Year.--Except in the case 
of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no 
credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable 
year covering a period of less than 12 months.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 6213(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking 
        ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (L), by striking the period 
        at the end of subparagraph (M) and inserting ``, and'', and by 
        inserting after subparagraph (M) the following new 
        subparagraph:
                    ``(N) an omission of a correct TIN or physician 
                identification required under section 25E(d) (relating 
                to credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs) to 
                be included on a return.''.
            (2) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of 
        subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 25D the following new item:

``Sec. 25E. Credit for taxpayers with long-term care needs.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.

    (a) Additional Protections Applicable to Long-Term Care 
Insurance.--Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 7702B(g)(2) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirements of model 
regulation and Act) are amended to read as follows:
                    ``(A) In general.--The requirements of this 
                paragraph are met with respect to any contract if such 
                contract meets--
                            ``(i) Model regulation.--The following 
                        requirements of the model regulation:
                                    ``(I) Section 6A (relating to 
                                guaranteed renewal or 
                                noncancellability), other than 
                                paragraph (5) thereof, and the 
                                requirements of section 6B of the model 
                                Act relating to such section 6A.
                                    ``(II) Section 6B (relating to 
                                prohibitions on limitations and 
                                exclusions) other than paragraph (7) 
                                thereof.
                                    ``(III) Section 6C (relating to 
                                extension of benefits).
                                    ``(IV) Section 6D (relating to 
                                continuation or conversion of 
                                coverage).
                                    ``(V) Section 6E (relating to 
                                discontinuance and replacement of 
                                policies).
                                    ``(VI) Section 7 (relating to 
                                unintentional lapse).
                                    ``(VII) Section 8 (relating to 
                                disclosure), other than sections 8F, 
                                8G, 8H, and 8I thereof.
                                    ``(VIII) Section 11 (relating to 
                                prohibitions against post-claims 
                                underwriting).
                                    ``(IX) Section 12 (relating to 
                                minimum standards).
                                    ``(X) Section 13 (relating to 
                                requirement to offer inflation 
                                protection).
                                    ``(XI) Section 25 (relating to 
                                prohibition against preexisting 
                                conditions and probationary periods in 
                                replacement policies or certificates).
                                    ``(XII) The provisions of section 
                                26 relating to contingent nonforfeiture 
                                benefits, if the policyholder declines 
                                the offer of a nonforfeiture provision 
                                described in paragraph (4).
                            ``(ii) Model act.--The following 
                        requirements of the model Act:
                                    ``(I) Section 6C (relating to 
                                preexisting conditions).
                                    ``(II) Section 6D (relating to 
                                prior hospitalization).
                                    ``(III) The provisions of section 8 
                                relating to contingent nonforfeiture 
                                benefits, if the policyholder declines 
                                the offer of a nonforfeiture provision 
                                described in paragraph (4).
                    ``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this 
                paragraph--
                            ``(i) Model provisions.--The terms `model 
                        regulation' and `model Act' mean the long-term 
                        care insurance model regulation, and the long-
                        term care insurance model Act, respectively, 
                        promulgated by the National Association of 
                        Insurance Commissioners (as adopted as of 
                        December 31, 2008).
                            ``(ii) Coordination.--Any provision of the 
                        model regulation or model Act listed under 
                        clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall be 
                        treated as including any other provision of 
                        such regulation or Act necessary to implement 
                        the provision.
                            ``(iii) Determination.--For purposes of 
                        this section and section 4980C, the 
                        determination of whether any requirement of a 
                        model regulation or the model Act has been met 
                        shall be made by the Secretary.''.
    (b) Excise Tax.--Paragraph (1) of section 4980C(c) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirements of model provisions) is 
amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) Requirements of model provisions.--
                    ``(A) Model regulation.--The following requirements 
                of the model regulation must be met:
                            ``(i) Section 9 (relating to required 
                        disclosure of rating practices to consumer).
                            ``(ii) Section 14 (relating to application 
                        forms and replacement coverage).
                            ``(iii) Section 15 (relating to reporting 
                        requirements).
                            ``(iv) Section 22 (relating to filing 
                        requirements for marketing).
                            ``(v) Section 23 (relating to standards for 
                        marketing), including inaccurate completion of 
                        medical histories, other than paragraphs (1), 
                        (6), and (9) of section 23C.
                            ``(vi) Section 24 (relating to 
                        suitability).
                            ``(vii) Section 29 (relating to standard 
                        format outline of coverage).
                            ``(viii) Section 30 (relating to 
                        requirement to deliver shopper's guide).
                The requirements referred to in clause (vi) shall not 
                include those portions of the personal worksheet 
                described in Appendix B relating to consumer protection 
                requirements not imposed by section 4980C or 7702B.
                    ``(B) Model act.--The following requirements of the 
                model Act must be met:
                            ``(i) Section 6F (relating to right to 
                        return).
                            ``(ii) Section 6G (relating to outline of 
                        coverage).
                            ``(iii) Section 6H (relating to 
                        requirements for certificates under group 
                        plans).
                            ``(iv) Section 6J (relating to policy 
                        summary).
                            ``(v) Section 6K (relating to monthly 
                        reports on accelerated death benefits).
                            ``(vi) Section 7 (relating to 
                        incontestability period).
                    ``(C) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph, 
                the terms `model regulation' and `model Act' have the 
                meanings given such terms by section 7702B(g)(2)(B).''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to policies issued after December 31, 2008.
                                 <all>