Thomas Will Introduce MSA Bill Today

Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) and Rep. William Lipinski (D-Ill.) will likely introduce legislation today that will expand the use of medical savings accounts by removing the existing participant cap and eliminating current time limits, CongressDaily reports. The legislation also would allow MSAs "to be included in employer cafeteria health plans and lower deductibles to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families." Speaking at a meeting of the Federation of American Hospitals, Thomas said, "We have to create an environment for full experimentation" to address the uninsured. He added, "We need to have a fundamental, universal system for all. Above a certain amount [of income] it's a credit. Below a certain amount it's a subsidy ... we need to take funds and restructure them in a more meaningful way" (Serafini, CongressDaily, 4/3).