WASHINGTON, DC - During the markup of the health care bill in the Ways & Means Committee late last night, Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07) introduced an amendment that would protect consumer access to Health Saving Accounts (HSA) from falling victim to Democrats' takeover of health care.

More than eight million Americans--and specifically over 135,000 Virginians--have signed up for health care coverage through HSA plans. Cantor believes is it both necessary and essential that patients with HSAs who like what they have will be able to keep them.

“HSAs are an innovative and relatively new insurance product in our health care system. They offer patients real choice, which translates into lower health care costs and more access to care. Unfettered by burdensome constraints, families with HSAs are able choose their doctors, medications and treatments.

“The Democrats' health reform proposal turns HSAs into an endangered species. We must not sit idly by as HSAs disappear, and that is why this amendment is so critical.

“The threat of losing HSA coverage speaks to a much broader issue of a government takeover of the American health care system. Virginians and Americans know that any ‘solution' that puts a government bureaucrat between a patient and their doctor is no solution at all.

“It is very disappointing that Democrat Members did not stand with patient choice on this amendment.   I believe we must reform America's healthcare system. Republicans will work in a bipartisan fashion to lower health care costs and expand access while protecting choice and flexibility for patients. We will support a plan that builds on these key principles to ensure that Virginia's working families and individuals can keep what they have, including the freedom to consult with the doctor of their choosing.”

NOTE: Rep. Cantor has been instrumental in the authoring and passage of important HSA legislation. His bill, the Health Opportunity Patient Empowerment Act, HR 6134 (109 th ) which became a part of the bipartisan Tax Relief and Health Care Act, was signed into law by the president in December, 2006.

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