H.R.2419 - Patient Fairness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2419, the Patient Fairness Act of 2025, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand health savings account (HSA) access and increase contribution limits. It seeks to allow all individuals to contribute to HSAs, remove limitations on purchasing health coverage with HSA funds, and increase contribution limits, including additional contributions for individuals 55 or older. The bill also addresses the treatment of amounts transferred to relatives after the death of an account beneficiary and codifies hospital price transparency regulations.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the utilization of health savings accounts by a broader range of individuals. This could lead to greater individual control over healthcare spending and potentially lower healthcare costs for some. The codification of hospital price transparency regulations would make healthcare pricing more accessible to consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to health savings accounts for all individuals.
- Higher contribution limits, allowing for greater savings for healthcare expenses.
- Tax advantages associated with HSAs, potentially reducing the overall tax burden for individuals and families.
- Greater flexibility in using HSA funds for healthcare expenses.
- Increased transparency in hospital pricing, enabling consumers to make more informed decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for higher healthcare costs for some individuals if they do not effectively manage their HSA.
- Increased complexity in the healthcare system due to the expanded role of HSAs.
- Possible shift of healthcare costs from insurers to individuals.
- The increased contribution limits may disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals who can afford to contribute more.
- Relatives inheriting HSA funds may face complex tax implications if not handled correctly.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions related to taxation fall under the purview of Congress's power to lay and collect taxes, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution. The expansion of healthcare access and modifications to the Internal Revenue Code do not appear to directly infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The codification of hospital price transparency regulations could be argued to promote the general welfare, as mentioned in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).