NYF ISSUE PAPER: CONG. JEFF FORTENBERRY CHAMPIONS HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

NTF Issue Paper: cong140.doc. 8-17.
NEBRASKA TAXPAYERS FOR FREEDOM ISSUE PAPER:
CONG. JEFF FORTENBERRY CHAMPIONS HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.

BACKGROUND. Health savings accounts (HSAs) rapidly are gaining popularity among fiscal conservatives in Congress and throughout the nation as a popular means to save to pay for medical expenses. As an excellent antidote to Obama Care, working Nebraskans are eager to see an expansion, as these work so well in health care management. With the stalemate in Congress over health insurance, HSAs are needed more than ever. NE Cong. Jeff Fortenberry has introduced legislation to expand the use of HSAs, increasing opportunity for Nebraskans to manage their health care.

THE BILL. HR 1280 would permit Nebraskans to increase the maximum contribution limit for HSAs from $2,250 or $4,500 to match the sum of the yearly deductible and out of pocket expenses allowed under a high deductible health care plan. It would allow Nebraskans who receive primary care services in exchange for a fixed periodic fee or payment also to participate in an HSA and allow their use for fitness center memberships. HR 1280 also permits a medical care tax deduction for periodic provider fees, including those paid to a primary care doctor for a defined set of medical services or the right to receive such medical services as needed. These pre-paid services screen for, diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases and promote wellness options. Note that the NE Legislature passed legislation to allow for fixed periodic fee or payment services with private physicians and clinics.

TAKE ACTION NOW. Contact Cong. Don Bacon (402-938-0300) and Adrian Smith (202-225-6435) to support and co-sponsor this bill today! Nebraskans deserve every new opportunity to avail themselves of free market options for health insurance.

Research, documentation, and analysis for this issue paper done by Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom. This material copyrighted by Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom, with express prior permission granted for its use by other groups in the NE Conservative Coalition Network. 8-17 C.