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Health savings accounts, backed by GOP, cover fancy saunas but not insurance premiums
Republicans propose allowing tax-free health savings account funds to cover many wellness products but not insurance premiums, affecting 7.3 million ACA enrollees, amid expiring enhanced subsidies.
- On Dec. 3, Sen. Bill Cassidy pitched loading health savings accounts with federal dollars for some ACA enrollees, building on a White House-led change that bars using HSAs to pay premiums.
- Republicans argue expanded HSAs could replace expiring enhanced ACA premium subsidies, which end at the end of the year for nearly 24 million Americans enrolled in the ACA marketplace.
- Startups have popped up in recent years offering quick approval services for HSA purchases, and Truemed CEO Justin Mares said, "What we've seen at Truemed is that, when given the choice, Americans choose to invest their health care dollars in these kinds of proven lifestyle interventions."
- For lower-income marketplace enrollees, legal limits and bronze and catastrophic plans mean expanded HSAs likely won’t help, while ACA marketplace enrollees face 114% higher out-of-pocket premiums next year.
- Lawmakers warn a deal for 2026 coverage faces hurdles due to HSA annual deposit limits and 2026 contribution caps of $4,400 single and $8,750 family.
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13 Articles
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Health Savings Accounts, Backed by GOP, Cover Fancy Saunas but Not Insurance Premiums
Health savings accounts can be used to cover medical expenses, tax-free. But while wealthier Americans are using them to pay for gym equipment, cedar ice baths, and hemlock saunas, poorer Americans can’t use them to pay their skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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