ORTHO INDUSTRY NEWS Support Proposed RAISE Act Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a benefit offered by many employers, and are funded with employees’ pre-tax dollars. FSAs help Americans pay for a vari-ety of out-of-pocket health care costs such as copays, deductibles, prescription drugs, vision care, hearing aids, and dental services, including orthodontic treatment. The RAISE Act of 2015 (Responsi-ble Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee Health Benefits), H.R. 1185 www.congress.gov/ bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1185/text) proposes increasing the annual contribution cap to $5,000 from the current $2,550; adding an additional $500 to the FSA savings cap for each dependent above two dependents; and canceling the current "use it or lose it" rule, so that all FSA funds left over at the end of the year can be rolled over with-out penalty, allowing participants the opportunity to build reserves. "The changes in health care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are not keeping pace with the cost of health care, particularly oral health care which largely isn't covered for adults," says Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM). "No matter what kind of health care arenas you're working in," she says, "there's always a gap, there's always a place where people don't have access to benefits... or the benefit is taxed or minimized, which means that we never give a patient or health care consumer everything they need. (The RAISE bill) gives you a tax-free incentive to save to meet those health care expenses," she adds. Tell friends and family members to contact their legislators to encourage them to support the RAISE Health Benefits Act of 2015. To learn if your Congressional repre-sentative is already co-sponsoring this bill, visit www.congress.gov/ bill/114th-congress/house-bill/ 1185/cosponsors. ...OUR COURSES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING! Membership in the AOS means you have more than 2,000 colleagues who have added orthodontics to their General or Pediatric dentistry practices. We are proud to provide a united and strong advocacy for our members. Members have access to the finest ADA-and ADG-recognized orthodontic continuing education programs as well as networking opportunities with your peers.The AOS also offers professional discounts given by many of our industry partners on lab services and orthodontic supplies. Find out more today about your membership benefits at www.orthodontics.com. www.orthodontics.com Spring 2016 7
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Spring 2016: Page 7
