U.S. Senator Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Senator Bennett (R-UT) went on the record in today’s Letter to the Editor section of the Wall Street Journal, clearly and simply stating in their own words that their bill preserves the Health Savings Account option for Americans. Their letter reads, in part:

“we do provide the option for individuals to choose health savings accounts for their coverage. Those who elect this option and end up not needing or using many health services can build up balances in their accounts tax free until such time as they need the money to pay for health care. And if they are fortunate to live a long, healthy life, the funds they accumulate can be used to help pay for their retirement.”

Their intent to preserve the Health Savings Account option is important and politically relevant, since a bi-partisan health care reform bill is hard to come by, and, regardless of who is President next year, will likely become a major part of the agenda of the next Congress.

There are some concerns about the bill, which we can discuss at some other point. Today, we loudly applaud their intent and clear statement to preserve the HSA option.