Washington, D.C. – The House Ways and Means Committee voted in favor of Congressman Darin LaHood's (IL-16) Health Savings for Families Act of 2023, legislation that would allow individuals to maintain a Health Savings Account (HSA) even if the individual’s spouse is enrolled in a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA). Currently, individuals are not eligible to maintain an HSA if their spouse is enrolled in an FSA. This legislation allows patients to have more choice and control of their own health care dollars.
LaHood's Health Savings for Families Act of 2023 was included in the Ways and Means Committee's Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2023. Full text of LaHood's Health Savings for Families Act can be read HERE.
LaHood spoke in favor of his legislation and his prepared remarks can be read below or viewed HERE.
"I move to strike the last word.
"Thank you, Chairman Smith.
"I am pleased to highlight this important, bipartisan piece of legislation, H.R. 5688 – the Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2023, and I thank my colleagues, Reps. Smucker and Blumenauer for their support as sponsors.
"The Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act is a cumulation of sensible policies that will help our constituents have more control over their healthcare costs and encourage further participation in Health Savings Account (HSA) plans.
"HSAs are a helpful tool for individuals in making cost-conscious healthcare decisions that recognize the individual element of healthcare choice as well as the value of the services they receive.
"I am proud my bill, the Health Savings for Families Act of 2023, was included in this bipartisan package. My legislation would allow individuals to maintain an HSA even if the individual’s spouse is enrolled in a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA). This allows patients to have more control and choice over their healthcare dollars.
"Under current law, FSAs can be used to reimburse expenses for an individual and their spouses and dependents. This eligibility for FSA benefits disqualifies an otherwise eligible FSA enrollee’s spouse from contributing to an HSA, even when each spouse is covered under a separate health plan.
"With the cost of family health coverage at a record high and forcing many into plans that cover less or cost more, it is becoming more common for working spouses to be covered under two different healthcare plans.
"Families are turning to more flexible options that allow them to save on their healthcare costs, such as employer-provided health FSAs or by contributing to an HSA.
"Instead of penalizing families for responsibly managing their money, the Health Savings for Families Act fixes this flaw to allow couples to access healthcare services and spend their money how they wish.
"This Committee has a responsibility to tackle the kitchen table issues that our constituents face every day.
"As families continue to struggle with the high cost of healthcare, I am proud that this Committee is taking positive steps to provide more tools to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. This bill has the pieces necessary to help jump start this process.
"I urge my colleague to support H.R. 5688, and I yield back."
