FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2006
SCHAFFER?’S HEALTH CARE BILL
PASSES HOUSE FLOOR VOTE
COLUMBUS ?– State Representative Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today announced the passage of House Bill 46 on the House Floor with a 91-4 vote. The bill expands Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to include local governments so they can offer them to their employees, leading to significant savings for municipalities, townships, and counties.
?“We are one step closer to providing another tool to local governments to combat the rising cost of health care,?” Schaffer said. ?“This bill will help save taxpayer money while still providing quality health care.?”
An HSA health plan consists of two parts: a savings or checking account from which one can deposit and withdraw tax-free money for qualified medical expenses and a qualified, high-deductible health insurance policy (HDHP) that covers substantial medical expenses beyond the account.
?“While HSAs have not gotten much media attention, I believe that this legislation will help start the education process for the State,?” stated Schaffer. ?“HSAs put more control into the hands of the consumer. I anticipate that the Senate will move quickly on this legislation.?”
HSAs were launched as a new consumer health care product under the Bush administration. Schaffer anticipates that they will continue to be expanded in future Federal and State legislation. House Bill 46 will now go to the Senate where it will be referred to a committee.
SCHAFFER?’S HEALTH CARE BILL
PASSES HOUSE FLOOR VOTE
COLUMBUS ?– State Representative Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today announced the passage of House Bill 46 on the House Floor with a 91-4 vote. The bill expands Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to include local governments so they can offer them to their employees, leading to significant savings for municipalities, townships, and counties.
?“We are one step closer to providing another tool to local governments to combat the rising cost of health care,?” Schaffer said. ?“This bill will help save taxpayer money while still providing quality health care.?”
An HSA health plan consists of two parts: a savings or checking account from which one can deposit and withdraw tax-free money for qualified medical expenses and a qualified, high-deductible health insurance policy (HDHP) that covers substantial medical expenses beyond the account.
?“While HSAs have not gotten much media attention, I believe that this legislation will help start the education process for the State,?” stated Schaffer. ?“HSAs put more control into the hands of the consumer. I anticipate that the Senate will move quickly on this legislation.?”
HSAs were launched as a new consumer health care product under the Bush administration. Schaffer anticipates that they will continue to be expanded in future Federal and State legislation. House Bill 46 will now go to the Senate where it will be referred to a committee.
