KINDRED HEALTHCARE SUPPORTS INTRODUCTION OF EMANUEL-SCHUMER EARNED INCOME CREDIT INFORMATION ACT OF 2008
Will Better Inform Employees of EITC Eligibility, Help Stabilize Long-Term Care Workforce, Ultimately Help Patients and Residents
Louisville, KY (June 25, 2008) – Kindred Healthcare, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE:KND), one of the nation’s largest post-acute care providers, today strongly praised U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) for introducing the Earned Income Credit Information Act of 2008. The legislation will require employers to notify employees of their potential eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”).
“We commend Congressman Emanuel and Senator Schumer for introducing this important pro-worker legislation which will help rectify the unfortunate fact that millions of Americans fail to take advantage of this tax credit simply because they are not aware of their eligibility,” said Paul J. Diaz, Kindred’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our 52,900 employees – particularly those who provide direct care and services to patients and residents – are the backbone of our company, and of our nation’s healthcare delivery system,” Diaz continued. “Caring for our employees is integral to the quality of care we provide to our patients and residents, and this bill will have a positive impact in regard to strengthening and stabilizing the long-term care workforce.”
Based on an analysis conducted by the General Accountability Office, 25 percent of those eligible to receive the EITC do not take advantage of the tax benefit. The Emanuel-Schumer legislation is based upon a California law requiring employers to notify employees of their potential eligibility for the EITC.
“Providing notice to potentially eligible employees is the right thing for the American business community to do – especially in the context of the growing economic challenges facing so many Americans,” Diaz said. “I am confident the U.S. business community will respond positively to this federal initiative, and that its passage will ultimately translate into more stable and consistent care and services for millions of America’s long-term care patients and residents.”
About Kindred Healthcare
Kindred Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:KND) is a healthcare services company, based in Louisville, Kentucky, with annual revenues of over $4 billion. At March 31, 2008, Kindred through its subsidiaries provided healthcare services in 646 locations in 40 states, including 84 long-term acute care hospitals, 228 skilled nursing centers and a contract rehabilitation services business, Peoplefirst rehabilitation services, which served 334 non-affiliated facilities. Kindred’s 52,900 employees are committed to providing high quality patient care and outstanding customer service to become the most trusted and respected provider of healthcare services in every community we serve. For more information, go to www.kindredhealthcare.com.
CONTACT:
Susan E. Moss
Vice President, Communications
(502) 596-7296
