Rep. John Moolenaar
A bipartisan bill led by U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) that would give Native Americans a faster way to contribute to their health savings accounts (HSAs) passed the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on Sept. 28 with a 24-18 vote.
Moolenaar on Sept. 18 sponsored the Native American Health Savings Improvement Act, H.R. 5546, with four original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), to permit individuals eligible for Indian Health Service assistance to qualify for HSAs.
“The Native American Health Savings Act is bipartisan, common-sense legislation that will make it easier for Native Americans to contribute to their HSAs and save money for their health care,” Rep. Moolenaar said.
The congressman’s bill would eliminate a three-month waiting period for Native Americans to contribute to their HSAs after receiving care at an Indian Health Service facility. In committee, the bill was included in the HSA Modernization Act of 2023, H.R. 5687, which would make additional changes to HSAs. The larger bill now heads to the full chamber for consideration.
“I am happy to see this important legislation has been passed by the Ways and Means Committee,” said Rep. Moolenaar. “I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support it when it comes to the floor.”