The AOA recently sent a letter to Senators John Thune and Tom Carper applauding them for introducing the bipartisan Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (S. 3224). This legislation will support care affordability for patients managing chronic conditions by allowing health savings account (HSA) eligible high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to cover low-cost preventive care and services that manage chronic conditions on a pre-deductible basis.
The letter states that HSA-eligible HDHPs are generally prohibited from offering services and medications to manage chronic conditions on a pre-deductible basis. While preventive services safe harbor exists for pre-deductible coverage, the current exception is narrow and can prevent coverage of vital care management services that can prevent the chronic condition from getting worse or the development of a secondary condition. Fortunately, S. 3224 would help fix this gap in coverage. The AOA will monitor this bill as it advances through the legislative process.