LaHood Legislation to Reduce Health
Care Costs Included in the Phase III Coronavirus Relief Bill—the
CARES Act
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[April 09, 2020]
WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood
(R-IL) to reduce health care costs and improve access to care was
included in Phase III Coronavirus Relief Bill—the CARES Act. The
bill passed the United States Senate last night by a vote of 96-0.
The Restoring Access to Medication Act, will give individuals the
ability to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending
Accounts (FSA) to purchase over-the-counter medications and
menstrual care products.
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“As families and patients navigate this
challenging time, it’s vital that they have continued access to
quality health care at an affordable cost and health savings
accounts are an essential resource for doing that,” said Rep.
LaHood. “This commonsense and bipartisan bill will ensure
over-the-counter medicines can be purchased through HSAs, expanding
access to care and reducing out-of-pocket health care costs. People
are looking for relief during this time of uncertainty and we must
provide them with every tool we can. I am pleased that legislation I
authored will help Illinoisans and Americans, as we work together to
combat COVID-19.”
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The coronavirus outbreak is having an unquestionable impact on
central and west-central Illinois, and enacting this provision will
help Americans who are sick immediately, as the over-the-counter
benefit will be restored as of the first of the year. With the
President’s signature, this legislation will begin to make it easier
for patients to treat themselves, allow individuals to use their HSA
to buy OTC medicine, and free up medical resources for those who
need them most during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Over 22 million Americans utilize HSAs, and over 33
million Americans contribute to an FSA. Since 2011, Americans have
been prevented from using tax-preferred accounts to purchase
non-prescription over-the-counter medicines. Without OTC medicines,
90 percent of consumers would seek professional medical treatment
for minor ailments, causing an unnecessary burden on the healthcare
system. Over-the-counter medication can be used as treatment for
cold and flu symptoms, pain management, smoking cessation, and
allergies. Menstrual care products and over-the-counter medicines
are essential for millions of Americans; making these products more
affordable for families will improve public health and wellness and
prevent more expensive complications down the road.
The full text of the Restoring Access to Medication Act can be read
here.
[OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE DARIN
LaHOOD]
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