Rep. Ted Budd Leads Bill to Expand Health Care Access During Coronavirus Pandemic

Statement

Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Pandemic Health Care Access Act along with Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). The bill's Senate companion was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

This legislation temporarily decouples Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) from high deductible health care plans, allowing more Americans to use HSAs to save for health care expenses during the Coronavirus pandemic. Under current law, there is a mandate that requires any American who wishes to open an HSA to be on a high deductible health plan. This bill temporarily suspends this mandate and allows any individual on any health care plan including Medicare, Affordable Care Act plans, TRICARE, the VA, Indian Health Service or any employer plan to use HSAs to save for future health care expenses.

Rep. Budd said in a statement:

"The American people should have as much healthcare flexibility as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic. Folks shouldn't be forced into high deductible plans if they want to use an HSA to meet their pandemic expenses. My bill would allow Americans to use their HSA funds to pay for any increased health care costs, including their deductible and direct primary care. It also allows individuals to use telemedicine below their deductible. At a time when millions of Americans are required to self-quarantine to prevent contracting COVID-19, we must ensure they have access to the affordable health care they need."

Rep. Roy said in a statement:

"The American People's ability to pay for healthcare shouldn't be hindered, particularly as we deal with Coronavirus. Any American who has, or wishes to open or contribute to a health savings account to help pay for medical treatment shouldn't be forced to be tied to a high deductible insurance plan, as is currently the case. This legislation temporarily suspends that requirement and allows any individual on any healthcare plan to use an HSA. During a time when millions of Americans are in isolation, legislation such as this is simply common sense. Enacting this bill, will allow anyone with an HSA to use telemedicine below their deductible, or direct primary care services. Let's make sure we aren't getting in the way of folks getting the care they need by getting in the way of their healthcare options."

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