When others learn that I am a MS Activist, the question I often get is what kind of work do you do? For me, it’s taking action to highlight a wide range of issues that impact people with multiple sclerosis and their families. One of those ways is through writing opinion pieces and getting them published.
I wanted to share a great example of an OpEd written by a fellow MS activist in Massachusetts; she attends class regularly as well. She wrote in response to a piece and linked it to pending legislation here in this state that would establish a family caregiver tax credit.
Taking actions like these can make a big difference in getting attention for issues you are passionate about. Knowing you are helping yourself and helping others can also help boost your self esteem and confidence a bit.
Let me know if you have questions about activism or the caregiver tax credit proposal here in MA. Thanks Helen!
Care, concern, community for people with disabilities as they age (bostonglobe.com)
LETTERS
Care, concern, and community for people with disabilities as they age
Updated November 1, 2023, 2:30 a.m.
Tax credit would ease the cost of family caregiving
The Globe’s thought-provoking Oct. 27 editorial, “Help people with disabilities live in the community,” highlights an important issue.
One way for people with disabilities to stay in their own homes is to make family caregiving more affordable. Family caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion annually in unpaid care, according to a report of the AARP Public Policy Institute.
Pending Massachusetts legislation would establish a family caregiver tax credit. The family caregiver claiming the credit must have an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for a couple.
The maximum allowable tax credit would be $1,500 for alterations of the caregiver’s primary residence so that the family member could remain independent in their home. Purchase or lease of equipment for activities of daily living and services that assist the family caregiver, such as a home health aide or personal care attendant, would also be covered.
Tax credits would give caregivers much-needed financial assistance while the person who needs care can remain safely and affordably in their own home in the community instead of receiving more expensive care in a nursing home.