07 LC
28 3196
Senate
Resolution 139
By:
Senators Hill of the 32nd, Heath of the 31st, Rogers of the 21st and Hudgens of
the 47th
ADOPTED
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
the Congress of the United States to raise the allowable deduction for health
savings accounts, to allow certain older citizens to contribute additional
amounts, and to make all health insurance premiums pre-tax; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
currently contributions to health savings accounts (HSAs) are limited to a
maximum for self-only coverage of $2,850.00 and, for families, the maximum
contribution is $5,650.00; and
WHEREAS,
currently only persons who are age 55 and older can make an extra catch-up
contribution of $800.00 each year; and
WHEREAS,
only persons who pay health insurance premiums through certain employer
"cafeteria plans" can take full advantage of paying for health insurance with
pre-tax dollars; and
WHEREAS,
it would be advantageous to the citizens of this country to aid in funding their
health insurance costs to utilize HSAs to the fullest extent possible and could
improve the provision and affordability of health care services through a
consumer driven health care model; and
WHEREAS,
increasing the amount that individuals can contribute to their HSAs would allow
citizens to accumulate funds to cover their health care needs over time;
and
WHEREAS,
older persons just beginning to fund HSAs need to be able to contribute more to
"catch up" and offset their late start in using an HSA; and
WHEREAS,
all citizens should be able to fund their health care premiums with pre-tax
dollars.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the members of
this body urge the Congress of the United States to increase the amount of
contributions that individuals may make to their HSAs, to allow persons 45 years
of age and older to contribute up to $10,000.00 each year as a "catch up"
contribution, and to allow all individuals to pay for their health insurance
premiums with pre-tax dollars.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the presiding officers of
each house of the Congress of the United States and to each member of the
Georgia congressional delegation.