DataPath Clients,

Urgent Action Required: Senate Finance Committee Considers Limiting or Eliminating CDH Accounts.

The Senate Finance Committee released a list of possible health reform options on May 19th, 2009. One proposal suggests reducing contribution limits to FSAs or eliminating them entirely. Another proposal suggests returning the contribution limits of HSAs to the previous “deductible” limits, making substantiation of HSA expenses mandatory, and increasing penalties for early withdrawal 10% to 20%.

At this point in the debate, many things are being considered, but it is imperative that those in the Consumer Driven Health Care marketplace make their opinions known. DataPath is encouraging all our clients to contact not only the members of the Senate Finance Committee, but also their Senators and Representatives in Congress to express their support for FSAs and HSAs.

As of now, the vote split on the committee is very close and it is imperative that you make your voice known now before a bill reaches Congress. Every vote counts and several of the committee members will soon be up for re-election. Click here for the contact information for all the members of the Senate Finance Committee.

How we communicate the message to our legislators is very important. Each citizen has the opportunity to make three points of contact with each legislator if they call, email and send a traditional letter. It is very important to send a physical letter as these have much greater impact with legislators. DataPath is compiling an action packet which will be distributed next week.

In the meantime the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC) has already provided a sample letter template, as well as other talking points of the debate. To access the ECFC information and letter template, click here.

Reminder: This Monday, May 25th, DataPath offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

Thank you,
DataPath, Inc.