Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act
Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act
Plain Language Summary
# Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill allows people with high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to access certain preventive medications and treatments for chronic diseases without having to pay their full deductible first. Specifically, it lets HDHPs cover drugs like ACE inhibitors (for heart disease and diabetes) and bone-strengthening medications (for osteoporosis) at little or no cost, rather than requiring patients to meet their deductible before coverage kicks in. The bill essentially codifies IRS guidance that already exists into federal law. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits people enrolled in HDHPs—often younger, healthier individuals or those in high-deductible plans paired with health savings accounts (HSAs).
It aims to make chronic disease management more affordable by reducing upfront costs for preventive medications. Employers, insurers, and healthcare providers offering these plans are also affected. **Current status:** The bill passed the House and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. It has bipartisan support, having been sponsored by a Republican member of Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage ActThis bill provides statutory authority for guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that expands the types of preventive care that may be offered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold.Under current law, to be considered health savings account-eligible, an HDHP must have a deductible above a certain minimum threshold amount, which is adjusted annually. However, an HDHP may cover certain types of preventive care without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold. The IRS issued guidance expanding the types of preventive care that may be covered by an HDHP without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold to includeangiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for individuals with congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease;anti-resorptive therapy for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia;beta-blockers for individuals with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease;blood pressure monitors for individuals with hypertension;inhaled corticosteroids and peak flow meters for individuals with asthma;insulin and other glucose lowering agents, retinopathy screening, glucometers, and hemoglobin A1c testing for individuals with diabetes;international normalized ratio testing for individuals with liver disease or bleeding disorders;low-density lipoprotein testing for individuals with heart disease;statins for individuals with heart disease or diabetes; andselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for individuals with depression. The bill provides statutory authority for the IRS's guidance.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.