Senate Republicans Eye Tax Credits For Healthy Living

HARTFORD, Conn. — Senate Republicans want to give Connecticut residents tax breaks for living healthy lives.

They unveiled legislation yesterday that would allow people to deduct their out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as premiums and co-pays, from the state's personal income tax. Under the proposal a family of four could save as much as $400 a year on their state taxes.

The catch is that families would have to meet preventive care guidelines set by the state's health department, based on each member's age and gender. The requirements could include a variety of physical exams, screenings, and counseling, such as annual mammograms and cholesterol tests.

A physician would sign a certification form, checking off the required tests. It would then be included with a family's income tax filing.