As health care reform legislation proceeds to the final stages of deliberation, the HSA Alliance is writing to provide you with an update on the impact that current policies will have on HSA health plans and to urge you to make your voice heard.

The nation is in critical need of health care reform that brings skyrocketing costs under control and expands access to care for all Americans. Congress and the Administration originally said that health care reform would be achieved without causing major disruptions to families and individuals who are satisfied with their current coverage. Unfortunately, some provisions in the most recent health bill will go against the primary goals of reform and put at risk the HSA health plans that more than eight million Americans rely upon.

The current form of legislation includes several provisions that will disadvantage or threaten HSA health plans, including:

• A new premium tax that will cause premiums to rise for individuals, families and small businesses;
• Mandated benefit levels that could eliminate HSA health plans as an option for coverage;
• A rule against using money in your HSAs to buy any over-the-counter drugs, such as allergy medications, that you now get without a prescription; and
• An increased penalty for the use of HSA dollars for non-qualified medical expenses from 10% to 20% of the reimbursement.

The window of opportunity is closing, but there is still time to contact your elected representatives in Congress and to let them know how you depend on your HSA health plan for quality coverage and to save for medical expenses.

Call, email, write or visit your Representative and Senators today. Look up their contact information.

On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed its health care reform bill. Negotiations are currently taking place to modify the Senate-passed bill, which will be voted on by the House of Representatives in the coming weeks. The Senate will vote once more, because both chambers of Congress must pass identical legislation in order for the bill to go to President's desk and be signed into law.

The chance to make your voice heard is running out, so act today.