A Republican in the House of Representatives has introduced a bill that would ensure tax fairness for government departments that contribute to health care costs.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, a member of the Health Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, is the sponsor of the Health Care Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act, which he introduced last Monday.

Kelly's bill would allow members of these religious organizations and missions to deduct “health-related expenses” from their taxes, just as Americans with traditional health insurance can.

Kelly's bill would also explicitly state that these organizations do not provide health insurance, preventing any misunderstanding about how the IRS should treat them – especially with regard to federal regulations that affect regular insurance.

Each year, about 1.3 million Americans participate in so-called HCSMs, sharing more than $1 billion in medical costs. Those who choose Christian or other religious services over regular health insurance typically have moral and financial reasons, advocates say.

However, Kelly's bill proposes that these Americans should enjoy the same tax benefits as users of traditional health insurance.

Brad Hahn, CEO of a health ministry called Solidarity HealthShare, praised Kelly's bill for its “crucial and positive development” for millions of Americans who are part of what Hahn calls the “health-sharing community.”

“Solidarity HealthShare is grateful to Congressman Kelly for introducing this necessary legislation to ensure equal treatment for Americans who choose to participate in religious charities rather than health insurance to cover their medical expenses,” Hahn said.