Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage ActThis bill provides statutory authority for guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that expands the types of preventive care that may be offered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold.Under current law, to be considered health savings account-eligible, an HDHP must have a deductible above a certain minimum threshold amount, which is adjusted annually. However, an HDHP may cover certain types of preventive care without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold. The IRS issued guidance expanding the types of preventive care that may be covered by an HDHP without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold to includeangiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for individuals with congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease;anti-resorptive therapy for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia;beta-blockers for individuals with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease;blood pressure monitors for individuals with hypertension;inhaled corticosteroids and peak flow meters for individuals with asthma;insulin and other glucose lowering agents, retinopathy screening, glucometers, and hemoglobin A1c testing for individuals with diabetes;international normalized ratio testing for individuals with liver disease or bleeding disorders;low-density lipoprotein testing for individuals with heart disease;statins for individuals with heart disease or diabetes; andselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for individuals with depression. The bill provides statutory authority for the IRS's guidance.
The bill's implementation is expected to have significant implications for both patients with chronic conditions and the broader healthcare market. It will facilitate more inclusive coverage under high deductible health plans, allowing patients easier access to necessary treatments and services. This could potentially lead to better health outcomes for individuals managing chronic diseases, as they will be encouraged to engage in preventive care without financial deterrents. Additionally, this shift may influence insurance providers to adapt their policies in compliance with this new codification, potentially altering the landscape of health insurance plans available to consumers.
House Bill 919, known as the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act, aims to codify Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance on the treatment of certain services and items related to chronic conditions as meeting preventive care deductible safe harbor requirements. This alignment is intended for high deductible health plans in conjunction with health savings accounts. By explicitly defining these services and items as preventive care, the bill seeks to expand healthcare access for individuals with chronic conditions, enabling them to receive necessary care without bearing high out-of-pocket costs that typically accompany deductible-related healthcare expenses.
Discussions surrounding HB 919 reveal a positive sentiment towards the bill among healthcare advocates and patient support organizations. Supporters view the bill as a critical step forward in acknowledging and addressing the healthcare needs of those with chronic conditions, promoting early and preventive care that can avert more severe health issues and costly interventions down the line. Opponents, while less vocal in the available discussions, may express concerns over the financial implications for insurers, fearing this could lead to higher premiums as coverage expands.
Key points of contention around this bill might arise from debates on how codifying these items and services as preventive care will affect insurance pricing structures and policies. Commentators could argue whether the bill presents an adequate solution to chronic disease management or merely shifts the financial burden rather than alleviating it. The ongoing balance between increasing access to necessary healthcare and managing costs for insurers and consumers alike will be central in the conversations as HB 919 advances through the legislative process.