H.R. 919: Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act

Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act

This bill provides statutory authority for guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that expands the types of preventive care that may be offered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold.

Under current law, to be considered health savings account-eligible, an HDHP must have a deductible above a certain minimum threshold amount, which is adjusted annually. However, an HDHP may cover certain types of preventive care without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold. 

The IRS issued guidance expanding the types of preventive care that may be covered by an HDHP without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold to include

• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for individuals with congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease;
• anti-resorptive therapy for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia;
• beta-blockers for individuals with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease;
• blood pressure monitors for individuals with hypertension;
• inhaled corticosteroids and peak flow meters for individuals with asthma;
• insulin and other glucose lowering agents, retinopathy screening, glucometers, and hemoglobin A1c testing for individuals with diabetes;
• international normalized ratio testing for individuals with liver disease or bleeding disorders;
• low-density lipoprotein testing for individuals with heart disease;
• statins for individuals with heart disease or diabetes; and
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for individuals with depression. 

The bill provides statutory authority for the IRS's guidance.