I read this morning that since Max Baucus introduced his version of the health care bill last week, 564 amendments have been put forward for consideration (you can get a taste of them here).  I would like to think that the amendments were each intended to make the bill more efficient and a better proposition for all Americans, but I can’t help but think there are some not so hidden agendas woven throughout those amendments. 

While I am a bubba and not so familiar with the political process, the fact that in the same article Senator Baucus wanted to get the bill out of committee by the end of the week seemed rather extraordinary to me.  Unless, of course all Senators have taken Evelyn Woods speed reading course along the way.

So what happens to your insurance if you have an HDHP with an HSA?  Good question.  Well the bill as proposed increases the penalty on HSA withdrawals prior to age 65 and for non-qualified medical expenses.  Not to horrible on the surface but rather illogical.  More importantly we should be watching what happens to Senator Jon Kyle’s amendments related to HSAs that have been attached to the bill.  Contrary to the proposed legislation, these amendments could strengthen HSAs for Americans who have them.  I found consolidated list of the proposals on Marty Trussell’s website .  Marty is a banker and proponent of HSAs.  Senator Kyl has proposed 9 amendments that offer real value to those of us with HSAs.  Whether they will weather the debate over the next few days (weeks, months) remains to be seen.

That’s all for now folks.