Negotiators Push For MSA Program Extension

A two-year extension of Medical Savings Account program "seems destined for enactment" as Congress addresses the "final legislative bundle," which could be completed this week, CongressDaily reports. Negotiators hope to include an extension of the program, set to expire Dec. 31, in the remaining legislative packages. Retiring House Ways and Means Committee Chair Bill Archer (R-Texas) indicated this fall that "extending the life of MSAs was the only item in the tax bill he was determined to see enacted this year" (Norton, CongressDaily, 12/12). MSAs allow individuals to set aside money tax-free for future medical expenses. Archer also proposed repealing the $750,000 policy cap on participation under the current pilot; lowering the annual minimum deductible to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families; increasing contribution amounts to 100% of the deductible; and allowing both employers and employees to contribute (California Healthline, 9/13).