March 14, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Coalition for Patient Choice Chairman Karen Kerrigan applauded Congress and President Bush for agreeing to a one-year extension of Medical Savings Accounts, which was part of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 just signed into law by President Bush.  She also expressed hope that MSAs would soon be made available to everybody.

"Medical Savings Accounts are vital to the future of health care in this country," said Karen Kerrigan. "We are pleased with the extension of such a successful, cost-saving program that is helping to insure the uninsured.  We hope Congress and President Bush will soon see the wisdom in making MSAs a permanent fixture in American health care and available to all Americans instead of just a select few.

Right now, MSAs are only available to the self-employed and companies with 50 or less employees.  The Internal Revenue Service has found that 42 percent of MSA policyholders, who purchased their policies since the program began in January 1997, were uninsured at the time of their purchase.  The U.S. Census reports there are over 38 million Americans without health insurance.  Kerrigan noted that is a strong incentive to make the program permanent and universal.

"MSAs are a win-win-win situation for everyone.  They help the uninsured get affordable insurance.  They help both individuals and businesses control their health care costs.  They do this without creating another big government program and without raising anyone's taxes," Kerrigan said.

To schedule an interview with Ms. Kerrigan, or another spokesperson from the Coalition for Patient Choice, please contact Katie Wright at 703.683.5004 ext. 132.