Moolenaar, Ruiz Introduce Native American Health Savings Improvement Act

Congressmen John Moolenaar and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) have introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to federal Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for Native Americans who receive services at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. Under current law, Native Americans are barred from contributing to their own Health Savings Account for three months after receiving care at an IHS Facility. The Native Americans Health Savings Improvement Act would eliminate this waiting period.

"Native Americans should be able to save money for their health care like everyone else can. Unfortunately, current law stops them from doing so. It does not make sense that Native Americans must wait three months to begin contributing to their HSAs. I am proud to introduce this meaningful bipartisan legislation that eliminates an unnecessary rule and promotes health savings for Native Americans in Michigan and across the country," said Congressman Moolenaar.

“The Native Americans Health Savings Improvement Act is a critical bipartisan effort aimed at rectifying an unjust barrier in our healthcare system. Currently, Native Americans receiving care at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities face a three-month waiting period before they can contribute to their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs),” said Congressman Dr. Ruiz. “I'm proud to introduce this bill alongside Rep. Moolenaar to help ensure equity in healthcare access by providing immediate HSA access.”

Moolenaar and Ruiz’s legislation has been cosponsored by Congressmen David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA). In 2016, Congressman Moolenaar introduced similar legislation that was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. A copy of the bill's text can be found here.