SR 139 - Congress; urged to raise allowable deduction for health savings accounts

Committees

Current Status

05/18/07 - Senate Date Signed by Governor

First Reader Summary

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.

Votes

Electronically Recorded Votes
DateTimeVote NoYeasNaysNVExcDescription
03/27/200711:23AMSenate Vote #171049002005000CONSENT CALENDAR FOR RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING THE WILL OF THE SENATE
04/19/200712:04PMHouse Vote #353157000017006ADOPT

Status History

Bill History
DateAction
02/02/2007Senate Read and Referred
03/19/2007Senate Committee Favorably Reported
03/20/2007Senate Read Second Time
03/27/2007Senate Third Read
03/27/2007Senate Passed/Adopted
03/28/2007House First Readers
03/29/2007House Second Readers
04/13/2007House Committee Favorably Reported
04/19/2007House Third Readers
04/19/2007House Passed/Adopted
05/03/2007Senate Sent to Governor
05/18/2007Senate Date Signed by Governor
05/18/2007Act 146
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.