“CHPA applauds the U.S. House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee for today’s hearing, examining the benefits of consumer access to tax-preferred savings accounts, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs).
“Since 2011, a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has prevented consumers from using savings from their tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without a prescription. This Congress, bipartisan, bicameral legislation has been introduced to restore the ability of consumers to use their FSAs and HSAs to purchase OTC medicines. The legislation, “Restoring Access to Medication Act (RAMA) of 2017” (H.R. 394 and S. 85), was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and in the U.S. House by Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.).
“According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CHPA, the majority of Americans (75%) favor including OTCs in FSAs and HSAs. The Restoring Access to Medication Act is good health policy for many families who rely on non-prescription OTC medicines to treat common ailments such as allergies, cough and colds, or pain. CHPA urges Congress to advance this important bipartisan bill.”
Read CHPA’s submitted statement in support of the legislation.
