On September 17, 2024, the House of Representatives voted to approve the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (HR3800). If signed into law, the bill, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, would codify guidance issued by the IRS in 2019 that allowed high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to provide first-dollar coverage for preventive treatments related to specified chronic conditions.

• The 2019 IRS guidance identified 14 health services that could be covered by HDHPs on a pre-deductible basis for the treatment of chronic conditions. These services, and the associated chronic conditions/diseases, include:
  • Beta-blockers (congestive heart failure)
  • Blood pressure monitors (high blood pressure)
  • Glucometers (diabetes)
  • Inhalers (asthma)
  • Cholesterol testing and cholesterol lowering drugs (heart disease)
• The pending legislation is intended to enhance the ability of employer-sponsored health plans to encourage patients to manage chronic conditions/diseases in order to improve patient health, slow disease progression, and reduce the likelihood of costly hospitalizations.
• If passed, the legislation would potentially allow the list of preventive services to be expanded upon in the future, if needed.
• The legislation is supported by the American Benefits Council and the Alliance to Fight for Health Care.