Senate

Toomey: Repeal ‘tax hike’ on the sick

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) said ObamaCare raises taxes on “people battling severe illness.”

“Today, sick taxpayers can deduct fewer medical expenses than just four years ago,” Toomey said.

{mosads}Toomey introduced S. 2962, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, which would allow consumers to deduct medical expenses that exceeded 7.5 percent of their income. Under ObamaCare, that cap was raised to 10 percent.

“Raising this tax on individuals with high medical bills and middle class families providing long-term care for a dependent disproportionally affects lower and middle income people,” Toomey said. “My legislation would repeal this tax hike on struggling families and people battling severe illness.”

Toomey said low and middle class families are being disproportionately affected by the change.

Republicans take control of the Senate next year and many have said repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act — also known as ObamaCare — will be a top priority.