WASHINGTON – Expansion of medical savings accounts (MSAs) will help lower the number of uninsured Americans. That is why MSAs are a critical component of the compromise "Patients’ Bill of Rights" crafted by Dr. Ernie Fletcher (R-KY), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA).

Advocates claim that the Ganske-Dingell legislation expands MSAs. Yet, a review of the details reveals that their provisions fall far short of the Fletcher-Peterson-Johnson Patients’ Bill of Rights, which repeals all restrictions on MSAs.

MSAs and the inclusion of Association Health Plans is part of a broader effort to ensure that patients have access to quality care at a price they can afford. These access provisions in the Fletcher legislation would expand insurance to an estimated nine million Americans, while Ganske-Dingell – which does not include these provisions -- would cause nearly six million Americans to lose health insurance.