The undermining of the ACA was also debated on a bill (H.R. 6306) cleared by the taxwriting panel that would increase the annual HSA contribution limits to the sum of an annual deductible and out-of-pocket expenses permitted under a high-deductible health plan. Over 10 years, the legislation to increase HSA contributions would cost $15.3 billion, according to a JCT description of the substitute amendment.
Committee Democrats argued that this legislation would undermine consumer protections under the ACA, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee ranking minority member, offered an amendment that would reinforce protections for those with preexisting conditions. It failed on a 15-23 party-line vote.
