Dreier Supports Health Care Reform Plan

Flexible Spending Account Legislation Included in Plan

February 21, 2002

WASHINGTON - Calling comprehensive health care reform a top priority for Congress, Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, praised today President Bush’s announcement detailing proposals to improve health care accessibility, protect patient choice and reduce costs.

“There are few issues as important to American families as health care,” said Dreier. “The President and Congress are committed to improving what is already the best health care system in the world. We can do that by enacting reforms that protect innovation and research while improving accessibility and giving patients even more options. Working with citizens, health care professionals and employers we will enact reforms that truly put patients first.”

The President’s proposals include:

• Health Accounts - Reducing restrictions on Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) to increase access to tax-free and preventative care coverage.

• Patients’ Bill of Rights - Protecting the power of physicians to make medical decisions.

• Association Health Plans - Enabling small employers to pool together to offer their employees better health coverage options.

• Health Credits - Credits worth up to $1000 for individuals or $3,000 for families to make private insurance more affordable for low and middle-income families not covered by employers.

Dreier noted the President’s plan for Flexible Spending Accounts is similar to H.R. 63, a measure introduced by Dreier last year. “This single measure will give millions of Americans another choice in how they manage their health care. And expanding choice is what this effort is about.”