As you may know, there have been questions relating to the impact that telemedicine may have with regard to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Specifically for us, the issue is whether our zero-dollar co-pay affects the eligibility for an employee who is enrolled in their employer’s HDHP to participate in a HSA.
Critical legislation (H.R. 5138) has been introduced to clarify many of these questions and remove some of the restrictions that greatly affect how we can serve our clients. (You can read more information about the Act below.)
We need your help to get it passed!
The process is very simple and will take you less than a minute to complete. Just click on the TAKE ACTION link below. We are encouraging you to contact your local representatives to ask them to support this bill.
About the Legislation
On March 1, Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced H.R. 5138, the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act. The legislation includes several provisions NAHU has advocated in recent years to address issues with HSAs and employer-sponsored coverage.
The legislation seeks to promote flexibility, encourage innovation and expand access to HSAs by aligning HSA regulations with the most effective cost-containment strategies that will help consumers save money and stay healthy.
Specifically, the legislation would:
- allow HSA plans to offer pre-deductible coverage of health services at onsite employee clinics and retail health clinics.
- allow HSA plans to offer pre-deductible coverage for services and medication that manage chronic conditions.
- permit the use of HSA dollars toward wellness benefits, including exercise and other expenses associated with physical activity.
- clarify that employers can offer “excepted benefits” like telehealth and second-opinion services to employees with a HSA plan.
- correct the definition of “dependents,” streamline FSA conversion and fix the prohibition on a spouse using a HSA.
Contact your representative today! NAHU is calling on all members to send an Operation Shout asking your member of Congress to support H.R. 5138. You can also call your state representative.
