Thus far it is very unclear how high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) will be affected by health care reform.

When searching the full text of the bill, H.R. 4872, there are zero occurrences of the word ‘HDHP’, zero occurrences of the word ‘HSA’, and not one single mention of the word ‘deductible’. Of course this doesn’t mean the bill won’t change high deductible plans and contribution limits, however as of today it does not look like there are any major changes being currently proposed.

The bill does aim to reduce the maximum pre-tax contributions that can be made to a Felxible Spending Account (FSA). Essentially cutting the maximum in half from $5000 per year to $2500 starting in 2012.

If the federal government does indeed drastically limit the annual pre-tax contributions to an FSA, it is not a stretch to think that future legislation will seek to limit HDHP contributions. More on this as it develops. Current HDHP contribution figures can be found here.