Preventative Healthcare Incentives Bill

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Promote preventative Healthcare Through Incentives and Public Awareness

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

Section 1 - Definitions

In this Act:

(1) "preventative care" refers to medical services aimed at prevention, including but not limited to vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups.
(2) "Wellness programs" are employer-sponsored initiatives promoting health and well-being among employees.
(3) “Tax credits” refer to reductions in tax liability offered to individuals who participate in approved preventative care measures.
(4) “Employer incentives” refer to tax deductions or other financial benefits offered to employers who establish wellness programs.
(5) “HMRC” - HIs Majesty's Revenue and Customs
(6) “Secretary of State” refers to the Secretary of State with responsibility for Health.

Section 2 - Tax Credits for Preventative Care

(1) Individuals who have undergone preventative care screenings or vaccinations during the tax year are eligible for a tax credit.

(2) To qualify, the preventative services must be on an approved list published and updated annually by the Secretary of State.

(3) The approved list of preventative services will be published and updated annually by the Secretary of State.

Section 3 - Credit amount

(1) The amount of the tax credit will be a fixed percentage of the cost of the preventative care service, not exceeding a predetermined cap.

(2) The specific percentages and caps will be determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with HMRC.

Section 4 - Documentation

(1) Individuals must provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider confirming they have undergone the preventative service.

(2) The documentation must include the date of service, the type of service, and the name and credentials of the healthcare provider.

Section 5 - Claiming the credit

(1) To claim the tax credit, eligible individuals must file their claim along with their annual tax return, if applicable.

(2) HMRC will develop and make available specific forms or online platforms to facilitate the claim process.

Section 6 - Auditing and Compliance

(1) Claims may be subject to audit by HMRC.

(2) False claims will be subject to penalties as stipulated under relevant tax and fraud laws.

Section 7 - Fund allocation

(1) A designated fund will be established to cover the costs associated with these tax credits.

(2) HMRC will oversee this fund to ensure its solvency and proper utilisation.

Section 8 - Special Provisions for Vulnerable Populations

(1) The Secretary of State must make provision for disabled, vulnerable or other high-risk populations.

(2) The Secretary of State must publish a review every year of these provisions.

Section 9 - Special Provision for Low Tax Paying Individuals

(1) The Secretary of State must make provision for individuals who pay little or no tax, such as pensioners and individuals receiving unemployment or other state benefits.

(2) The Secretary of State, in consultation with other relevant agencies, will establish and publish a list of qualified preventative care services eligible for direct subsidies or vouchers which will be reviewed and updated annually.

(3) Eligible individuals may apply for direct subsidies or vouchers to cover the cost of preventative care services. These subsidies or vouchers can be redeemed at qualified healthcare providers and will be administered by a designated agency.

Section 10 - Review and Adjustment

(1) The efficacy and financial impact of this tax credit will be reviewed annually.

(2) Adjustments to the credit amounts, caps, or eligible services may be made based on these reviews.

Section 11 - Employer Incentives

(1) Employers who offer wellness programs aimed at preventative care for their employees are eligible for tax deductions.

(2) To qualify, the wellness programs must meet criteria established and published by the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State will publish and update the criteria for eligible wellness programs annually.

Section 12 - Incentive Amount

(1) Employers will receive a tax deduction equal to a fixed percentage of the cost incurred in offering the wellness program.

(2) The specific percentages and caps on the deduction amount will be determined by Secretary of State iin consultation with HMRC

Section 13 - Documentation

(1) Employers must maintain detailed records of the wellness program, including costs, types of services offered, and employee participation rates.

(2) These records must be made available for review upon request by HMRC or other relevant authorities.

Section 14 - Claiming the deduction

(1) To claim the tax deduction, employers must include the relevant documentation with their corporate tax return.

(2) HMRC will develop specific forms or online platforms to facilitate this process.

Section 15 - Auditing and Compliance

(1) Claims for tax deductions under this section may be subject to audit by HMRC.

(2) False claims will result in penalties and/or prosecution as stipulated under relevant tax and fraud laws.

Section 16 - Funding allocation

(1) A designated fund will be set up to offset the reduction in tax revenue due to these incentives.

(2) The fund will be overseen by HMRC to ensure its solvency and proper utilisation.

Section 17 - Review and Adjustment

(1) The efficacy and financial impact of these employer incentives will be reviewed annually.

(2) Based on these reviews, adjustments to the incentive amounts, caps, or eligible programs may be made.

Section 18 - Special Provision for Small Businesses

(1) The Secretary of State, in consultation with HMRC, may offer additional incentives or lower eligibility criteria for small businesses.

(2) These provisions aim to make it feasible for smaller employers to offer wellness programs.

Section 19 - Public Awareness Campaigns

(1) The primary objective of public awareness campaigns is to educate the populace on the importance and benefits of preventative healthcare.

(2) The campaign aims to increase the rate of preventative care service utilisation, thereby contributing to the broader goals of this Act.

(3) The campaign should highlight the tax incentives available.

Section 20 - Oversight and Management

(1) The Secretary of State will oversee the development and execution of public awareness campaigns.

(2) The Secretary of State may collaborate with external agencies, local governments, and other relevant bodies to maximise reach and impact.

Section 21 - Target Audience

(1) Campaigns should be designed to reach diverse demographics, including but not limited to various age groups, ethnic communities, and social strata.

(2) Special focus must be given to vulnerable and high-risk populations.

Section 22 - Mediums and Platforms

(1) A variety of communication mediums should be employed, including digital platforms, traditional media, and public events.

(2) Accessibility must be ensured for individuals with disabilities, language barriers, or other special requirements.

Section 23 - Content and Messaging

(1) The campaign should offer evidence-based information regarding preventative care benefits, available services, and how to access them.

(2) Messaging should be culturally sensitive and must adhere to ethical guidelines for healthcare communication.

Section 24 - Funding

(1) A designated budget will be allocated for the execution of public awareness campaigns.

(2) The Secretary of State will be responsible for the budget's proper allocation and expenditure tracking.

Section 25 - Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

(1) Establish specific metrics to evaluate the success of the campaigns, such as reach, engagement, and changes in preventative care utilisation rates.

(2) Regular reports must be produced and made publicly available, summarising the campaign's performance against the KPIs.

Section 26 - Review and Future Planning

(1) An annual review of the campaign's efficacy should be conducted.

(2) Based on the outcomes, adjustments to the strategy, budget, and targets may be made for future campaigns.

Section 27 - Monitoring and Review

(1) A Monitoring and Review Committee (MRC) shall be established within three months of this Act coming into force.

(2) The MRC will consist of representatives appointed by the Secretary of State, HMRC, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.

(3) The committee's mandate will be to oversee the effective implementation of this Act and assess its ongoing impact.

Section 28 - Metrics for Success

(1) The MRC is responsible for establishing clear metrics to gauge the success of this Act.

(2) Metrics may include but are not limited to the rate of preventative care utilisation, financial sustainability, and public awareness levels.

Section 29 - Annual Review

(1) The MRC will conduct an annual review based on the established metrics.

(2) The results of this review will be compiled into an Annual Effectiveness Report.

Section 30 - Reporting

(1) The Annual Effectiveness Report must be submitted to Parliament for scrutiny and made publicly available.

(2) The report should also include recommendations for any legislative amendments or policy changes needed to improve the Act's effectiveness.

Section 31 - Regulatory compliance

(1) All preventative care services eligible for tax credits under this Act must comply with existing healthcare regulations and quality standards.

Section 32 - Intersection with Other Laws

(1) This Act does not preclude individuals or employers from benefits or obligations under other healthcare-related laws or policies.

Section 33 - Data Protection

(1) All personal data collected under this Act shall adhere to the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines.

Section 34 - Force Majeure

(1) Provisions must be made for exceptional circumstances that may disrupt the Act's intended operations, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or significant economic downturns.

Section 35 - Commencement, Short Title, and Extent

(1) This Act shall come into force six months after receiving Royal Assent.

(2) This Act may be cited as the preventative Healthcare Incentives Act 2023.

(3) This Act shall extend to England only unless—

(a) a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, in which case it shall also apply to Scotland, A legislative consent motion is passed in the Scottish Parliament, in which case it will also apply to Scotland or
(b) a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Senedd Cymru, in which case it shall also apply to Wales, or
(c) a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, in which case it shall also apply to Northern Ireland.)

This Bill was written by the /u/SomniaStellae on behalf of His Majesty’s 33rd Government

Opening Speech:

Deputy Speaker,

I hereby present this bill that aims to bolster the health and well-being of our nation through a focus on preventative care. Our healthcare system often acts as a safety net for when things go wrong, yet we must ask ourselves—why not fortify that net by catching issues before they escalate?

The NHS currently grapples with a surge of preventable conditions, such as obesity, which costs the NHS an estimated £6 billion annually[1]. This financial burden, coupled with the human toll, underscores the urgency to shift from a reactive to a preventative healthcare model.

Our legislation proposes a multi-pronged approach to this end. First, it provides incentives for individuals to seek preventative services by offering tax credits. Prevention, after all, costs far less than treatment. By taking this step, we not only alleviate strain on our healthcare system but also contribute to a healthier, more productive society.

But the individual cannot bear this responsibility alone. Employers, too, play a pivotal role in the well-being of our workforce. This Act encourages companies to implement wellness programs by offering tax deductions, creating a win-win scenario for employers and employees alike.

Yet we recognize that information remains a potent weapon in the fight for better health. Our Act mandates the Department of Health and Social Care to spearhead public awareness campaigns, targeted not just at the young or the elderly but across all demographics.

To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of these measures, a Monitoring and Review Committee will oversee the Act's implementation, setting clear metrics for success and conducting annual reviews.

The Act also includes miscellaneous provisions to cover regulatory compliance, data protection, and unforeseen circumstances, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit for a healthier Britain.

It is a pivotal moment as we introduce this legislation, and I urge you all to consider its merits carefully.

This division will end at 10pm on the 29th November.