From: Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory:
The Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act will make HSAs more useful and effective for employers, according to the American Benefits Council. The bill was introduced recently by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI).
“Workplace-based health insurance covers more than 178 million people nationwide, compelling employers to be innovative in managing rising health care costs,” Council President James A. Klein said. “Not only will the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act give employers more flexibility in HSA-based plan design, it will also allow HSAs to take full advantage of cost-saving innovations like chronic care management and onsite and near-site health centers.”
The bill includes provisions that would:As Klein noted in a letter of support for the legislation, our employer-based health insurance system “is predicated on smart tax incentives and companies’ ability to design and offer plans that best suit the needs of a modern workforce. HSAs are the direct descendants of this sound public policy, allowing employees and their families to take greater control of their health care.”
- Clarify that certain services and prescription drugs that prevent chronic disease progression are preventive care that will not be subject to a deductible;
- Allow employers to provide primary care, chronic disease prevention, and other high-value services at on-site and near-site medical clinics without imposing a deductible;
- Permit the use of HSA funds to pay for medical expenses for adult children up to age 26; and
- Permit HSA contributions if a spouse has a health FSA.
