Dupage Policy Journal

President Trump’s campaign promise regarding health care just took a step forward thanks to the work of Congressman Peter Roskam's (R-IL) role on the House Ways and Means Committee.

According to a release from Roskam's office, 11 pieces of legislation advanced through the committee, bringing them a step closer to full votes on the House floor. Collectively, the bills will make health savings accounts a more attractive alternative to the Affordable Care Act, as well as potentially cut costs by opening insurance markets to competition across state lines.

“Healthcare reform should empower individuals and families to make decisions for themselves based on what fits their needs and budget,” Roskam said. “One of the best tools we have to accomplish this goal is consumer-directed health plans that are paired with health savings accounts or HSAs.”

As chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Roskam co-sponsored H.R. 6314, the Health Savings Act of 2018, which would lift a ban preventing consumers who buy low-cost insurance plans from using HSAs. Another bill, H.R. 6311, would extend ACA tax credits to the most affordable (i.e., catastrophic) insurance coverage plans. The release states that the current rules only apply the tax credits to bronze, silver, gold or platinum plans.

A third key piece of legislation, H.R. 6301, lets insurers provide coverage for medical supplies, or in-person or telehealth doctor visits, which the release said are considered valuable in managing diabetes and other long-term conditions.