| Hello John, Last week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss exciting opportunities to modernize health care and empower Americans to take charge of their own well-being. The discussion highlighted both exciting opportunities and frustrating challenges, particularly those caused by excessive government regulation. With over half of the nation living with a chronic illness, we need solutions that put people first, not big insurance companies or health care bureaucrats. Here are some key takeaways from the hearing. Health savings accounts empower change. Tax-advantaged health savings accounts are helping employers give their workers the tools they need to invest in their own health. By expanding the flexibility and availability of HSAs — including the ability to use them for preventive care and wellness — millions of Americans could gain access to life-enhancing tools like healthy meal programs and holistic treatments. Here’s the problem: Unfortunately, due to government regulations, HSAs remain out of reach for 90% of Americans. Removing these barriers could allow everyone to take charge of their health. Preventive care saves lives and costs. Early detection of chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease can be a game changer. However, excessive bureaucracy is delaying access to screening tests, especially for Medicare patients. Here’s the problem: According to Medicare guidelines, a lung cancer screening typically requires a patient to make two visits to the doctor’s office — one for counseling and shared decision-making to discuss eligibility and risks, and a second to receive the actual low-dose CT scan (if deemed appropriate after the initial consultation). Both visits are necessary to qualify for coverage under Medicare. This creates a major burden on patients and providers alike. Many patients can’t afford the time or cost of additional visits, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. The solution: Simple policy changes could eliminate these unnecessary hurdles, saving lives and reducing health care costs across the board. Direct primary care: A flexible, patient-centered model Innovative models like direct primary care are making it easier for small businesses to offer personalized health care options to employees. Think of DPC as the “Netflix of health care” — a monthly subscription that covers everything from basic checkups to ongoing health management. Part of what makes DPC so great is that there is no insurance company middleman, and because there is no insurance company to deal with, there is far less of the annoying paperwork Americans have come to hate. The end result is more time with your doctor. Here’s the problem: Current IRS policy doesn’t allow taxpayers to deduct the cost of DPC. Removing this hurdle would provide better access to this innovative payment and coverage model. It’s all part of a Personal Option. These discussions reaffirm the importance of a Personal Option in health care — an approach that puts patients at the center. - The Personal Option gives control back to patients, increasing competition to lower costs and break down the government barriers preventing Americans from getting the care they want and deserve.
- The guiding philosophy of the Personal Option is simple: We should fund patients, not the bloated and rigged health care system.
- Americans deserve a health care system that works for them. This hearing was hopefully another step on the journey to changes that will deliver better, more affordable health care for all. The subcommittee should be commended for delving into these complex issues.
Make a difference today — add your name to the petition for a Personal Option. We’ll guide you step by step so you can support patient-centered reforms and ensure all Americans get the care they deserve. Start now. | 
