RESIDENTS IN KANSAS will soon see a new tax benefit tied to their health care choices. Lawmakers have passed a bill called the Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction Act, which allows qualifying individuals to deduct certain expenses from their state income taxes starting in the 2027 tax year.
Under the new law, individuals who are members of qualifying health care sharing ministries will be able to deduct up to $5,000 per person each year. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $10,000.
The qualifying organizations for this tax benefit are nonprofit organizations, such as health shares, where members share medical costs within a community rather than using the more common health insurance.
According to the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, Chuck Weber, “members are grateful to be able to participate in a program where like-minded families pray for each other and help shoulder large, unexpected expenses.”
With the passing of this bill more opportunities are given to individuals who elect to leave the insurance realm and choose alternative health care options for themselves and their families.
A quote from House Speaker Dan Hawkins stated that “…families should have more flexibility and more control over their healthcare decisions, not fewer options and higher costs.”
The bill’s path to becoming law was not simple. Governor Laura Kelly initially vetoed the proposal, raising concerns about fairness and the potential impact on state revenue.
Governor Kelly stated that she wants to be clear in that this is not about “limiting anyone’s ability to practice their faith freely,” but rather “ensuring that Kansans are in a health care system that’s reliable and actually covers their medical expenses.”
However, the Kansas Legislature voted to override the veto, which allowed the bill to move forward. This decision shows strong legislative support for expanding tax benefits to nontraditional health care models.
This new law marks a significant step for members of health sharing organizations in Kansas. It highlights a broader national conversation about how alternative health care options fit into the tax system and public policy.
For those who qualify, the deduction could provide meaningful savings and make participation in these ministries more accessible.
Details about the legislation and eligibility criteria can be found through official state resources and legislative records:
As implementation approaches, taxpayers and health sharing members are encouraged to stay informed about guidance from state agencies to fully understand how these changes can affect them.
*Zion HealthShare operates as a non-profit medical cost-sharing community. We are not insurance and cannot operate in the state of Washington. Please visit our website for state notices.