Includes in definition of income all sources after deduction of all medical and prescription drugs not reimbursed or paid by insurance

1 Co-sponsor

• Tony Avella

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to excluding certain expenditures for medical care from the definition of "income" for the purpose of a tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by senior citizens

Purpose or general idea of bill

Excludes certain medical expenses from the definition of "income" when determining eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 Amends the Real Property Tax Law, Section 467-b, subdivision 1, paragraph c. Excludes all medical and prescription drug expenses not reimbursed or paid for by insurance from the definition of "income" for the purpose of determining eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program.

Section 2. Amends the Real Property Tax Law Section 467-c, subdivision 1, paragraph f. Excludes all medical and prescription drug expenses not reimbursed or paid for by insurance from the definition of "income" for the purpose of determining eligibility for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program.

Section 3. Effective Date

Existing law

Real Property Tax Law; Article 4-Exemptions; Title 2- Private Property; Section 467-b- Tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities; and Section 467-c - Exemption for property owned by certain housing companies and occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities. Medical and prescription drug expenses are currently not included in the definition of income used to determine SCRIE eligibility.

Justification

For many senior citizens living on a fixed income, medical treatment and prescription drug costs not covered by insurance represents a financial burden that affects their standard of living. With the cost of living constantly rising, it is important that new and innovative approaches be explored in regard to providing assistance to this population. It is the intent of this legislation to provide such assistance by enabling more seniors to be eligible for SCRIE.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.18 - Referred to Aging/A.428 - Referred to Aging 2013: S.18 - Died on 3rd Rdg. Cal/A.428 - Referred to Aging 2012: S.500 - Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development/A.758- Referred to Aging 2011: S.500 - Discharged from Aging and Committed to Housing, Construction and Community Development/A.758 - Reported, Referred to Ways and Means 2010: S.6685 - Reported and Committed to Finance/A.9516- Passed Assembly 2009: S.2210 - Passed Senate/A.1800 - Passed Senate Veto #12 2007-08: A.10045 - Passed Assembly 2005-06: A.2242 - Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the amendment to paragraph c of subdivision I of section 467 -b of the real property tax law, made by section one of this act, shall not affect the expiration of such section and shall be deemed to expire therewith.