U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Curtis introduced legislation on May 20 that would allow Americans to use Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Reimbursement Arrangements to purchase dietary supplements.
The proposal aims to give families more flexibility in investing in preventative health solutions while potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. Supporters say the bill would modernize current rules, reflecting the increasing role of supplements in proactive health management.
“Nutritional supplements are a crucial form of preventative care, keeping people healthier in the long run and, ultimately, driving down healthcare costs,” Cramer said. “But right now, the rules don’t fully reflect this reality. By modernizing how health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts can be used, this bill gives families more freedom, more choice, and more ability to invest in their own wellbeing.”
Curtis said: “Dietary supplements are an important part of many Utahns’ health and wellness routines, and are key to making America healthy again. By expanding access to supplements through HSAs and FSAs, our legislation empowers individuals to take greater ownership of their health while helping reduce long-term healthcare costs.”
The Dietary Supplements Access Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code so that over-the-counter dietary supplements qualify as medical expenses under these accounts. Individuals could use up to $250 annually from their health accounts for supplement purchases; joint filers could spend up to $500 per year. The House has a companion measure sponsored by Representatives Darin LaHood, Brendan Boyle, Claudia Tenney, and Josh Gottheimer.
Several organizations back the legislation including the National Products Association (NPA), Consumer Health Products Association (CHPA), and Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). “The Natural Products Association applauds Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) for introducing the Dietary Supplements Access Act,” NPA said in a statement supporting expanded access via tax-advantaged accounts.
CHPA also supported the move: “At a time when more science is supporting the use of dietary supplements…expanding HSA and FSA eligibility…is smart healthcare policy.” CRN added: “CRN strongly supports the Dietary Supplements Access Act because it reflects a modern understanding of healthcare—one that recognizes the important role dietary supplements can play in supporting health and wellness.”
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies to resolve issues such as providing information about government services; he served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative before joining the Senate; he serves on committees including Environment & Public Works according to his official website.
