West Florida News

Representatives Greg Steube and Kat Cammack, both Republicans from Florida, have reintroduced the Affordable Care and Comprehensive Economic Support through Savings (ACCESS) Act. This legislation aims to expand access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for five million lower-income Americans.

The ACCESS Act proposes allowing individuals to receive direct contributions to an HSA instead of relying on reduced cost-sharing under government-controlled health insurance exchanges. According to Rep. Steube, "The ACCESS Act is a straightforward solution to lower health care costs and expand access for the millions of lower-income families struggling under rising inflation and medical expenses." He added that the bill would offer a personal health care option through tax-free, directly funded HSAs while streamlining existing health subsidies.

Rep. Cammack highlighted the importance of this option for working families, stating, "Access to affordable care has diminished over the past decade... For working families in my district and across the country this option is a lifesaver." She emphasized that HSAs would provide more access and freedom for families whose needs are not met by current government-controlled programs.

The legislation has received support from Americans for Prosperity. Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity, endorsed the act by saying it would expand access without costing taxpayers. Clancy noted that with pre-funded HSAs, patients could access timely care from trusted doctors even if their insurance does not cover them.