Us Congress House Bill HB5317

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/29/23
• Refer: 8/29/23

Caption

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow distributions from a health flexible spending arrangement or health reimbursement arrangement directly to a health savings account in connection with establishing coverage under a high deductible health plan.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to have a notable impact on employee benefits and healthcare funding strategies. Given the rising costs of health care, allowing direct transfers to HSAs could incentivize individuals to enroll in high deductible health plans. This shift could enable better financial management of health-related expenses, making it easier for employees to save for future medical costs while leveraging tax advantages associated with HSAs. However, it also necessitates careful consideration regarding the maximum dollar limits on these distributions to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Summary

House Bill 5317 aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to facilitate the direct transfer of funds from a health flexible spending arrangement (FSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) into a health savings account (HSA). This modification is particularly relevant for employees who wish to establish coverage under a high deductible health plan after a significant absence of such coverage. By enabling these direct distributions, the bill seeks to streamline the process through which employees can transition to HSAs, potentially enhancing their ability to manage healthcare costs and savings effectively.

Contention

During discussions about HB 5317, notable points of contention arose surrounding the implications of these financial arrangements. Proponents argue that facilitating direct transfers would enhance the appeal of HSAs, contributing to financial empowerment for employees regarding their healthcare decisions. Critics, however, express concerns that this may lead to complications in tax reporting and compliance, especially with the new inclusion of HSA distributions on employee W-2 forms. The bill requires that any such distributions are accurately documented, which could pose challenges for employers and potentially lead to errors in tax filings.