Trending News Today: AHCA Seeks to Expand Health Savings Account Access

Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their independent analysis of the American Health Care Act and its impact on the healthcare system and federal spending. The CBO estimates that over the next 10 years, the federal deficit will be reduced by $337 billion, but there will be 24 million more individuals without insurance. Federal spending on Medicaid would plummet $880 billion over the next decade, however, there would be 14 million less enrollees, according to Kaiser Health News.

A part of the American Health Care Act would expand access to health savings accounts, which means that these companies would gain millions of customers and associated fees. Since November, shares of HealthEquity, a health savings account company, increased by 35%, making it one of the best performing stocks on the market since the election, according to Kaiser Health News. These companies will also gain Medicare and Tricare enrollees, who were prohibited to take part in the accounts previously, making the law appealing to such companies.

Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Seema Verma to be the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Verma has previous experience working with Vice President Mike Pence to expand Indiana’s Medicaid program, but emphasizes personal responsibility. According to the New York Times, under the program, individuals are responsible for premiums, contributing to health savings accounts, and there are incentives for healthy behaviors.