New Legislation Expands Access to Nutritional Supplements to be covered under insurance

**BREAKING!!!*** New Legislation to broaden "INCLUSION OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS AS QUALIFIED MEDICAL EXPENSES"

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) would expand health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement arrangements and flexible spending accounts (FSA) to cover dietary supplements. This effort is part of a broader effort by the Natural Products Association (NPA) to expand access to nutritional supplements for underserved communities through programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

NPA’s effort comes as mounting evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency, zinc, and key components of seaweeds and serious COVID-19 illnesses. Experts in the U.S. and around the world have urged policymakers to consider the benefits of vitamin D, zinc and or seaweed supplements and to help support immune systems and prevent serious illnesses.

“We need to do more to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have access to nutritional supplements to support their health during this pandemic,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “This common sense solution is something that will benefit everyone, not only as we turn the corner in this pandemic but also in the long run. Thank you to Senator Cramer and his staff for their support and wanting to expand choices for hundreds of millions of Americans who use supplements to stay healthy in this challenging time.”

Nutritional supplements play an important role in supporting the health of millions of people in the United States and around the world, especially those who are from areas without adequate access to nutritious foods:

• Zinc deficiency can compromise immune function and increase the risk of infection, affecting an estimated 30% of the global population.

• A World Health Organization (WHO) report specifically zinc supplementation and immunity respiratory viruses in children.

• According to available data, 95 percent of adults and 98 percent of teens have an inadequate vitamin D intake and 61 percent of adults and 90 percent of teens do not get enough magnesium.

• Supplementation with key ingredients from seaweeds show some promise for virus immunity, according to the World Health Organization

• More than 23 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, live in food deserts – areas that are more than a mile away from a supermarket.

“Nutritional supplements help lower health care costs and keep Americans healthy,” said Senator Cramer. “By modernizing the rules for savings and spending accounts, our bill would save taxpayer funds, increase consumer choice, and encourage people to invest in their health and wellness.”

Senator Cramer’s bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (S. 1654) to designate certain over-the counter dietary supplement products as qualified medical expenses. It is endorsed by the Natural Products Association (NPA).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we need to be giving people more avenues and opportunities to save money in preventative health care costs. This is a commonsense solution that will save patients and taxpayers money,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “Too much of our focus, in this country is on disease treatment rather than prevention. This simple change in our regulations promotes the proactive, preventive approach that we need to adopt if we wish to improve our nation’s health and manage healthcare costs.”

References

Senator Cramer (R - ND). "Sen. Cramer Introduces Bill to Increase Consumer Choice and Reduce Health Care Costs." (https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-introduces-bill-to-increase-consumer-choice-and-reduce-health-care-costs). Date Accessed 7/22/21.

Natural Products Association. "New Legislation Expands Access to Nutritional Supplements" (https://www.npanational.org/news/new-legislation-expands-access-to-nutritional-supplements/ ) Date Accessed 7/22/21.