• Recent Survey Finds High Satisfaction with Health Savings Accounts
• Another Supreme Court Nomination, Scandal Dominate Congressional Agenda
• SBTV Wants to Hear from YOU
• President’s Tax Reform Panel Update

Recent Survey Finds High Satisfaction with Health Savings Accounts

Sixty-eight percent of health savings accounts-eligible enrollees are satisfied with the performance of their insurer, according to a recent survey by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The survey found that consumers enrolled in health savings accounts (HSA) with a high deductible health plan are satisfied with the service and are more cost-conscious when considering medial procedures and treatments. The survey also found that 71 percent of respondents were satisfied with the access to preventative care and wellness services and that 69 percent were satisfied with the health benefits information. The numbers compared favorably to those with traditional plans. Additionally, the survey found that 37 percent of HSA-eligible enrollees now feel more in charge of their health care over the past year, as compared with 15 percent of individuals with traditional insurance. Sixty-five percent of respondents who purchased the coverage directly and 61 percent of those with employer-sponsored coverage said they were likely to recommend similar coverage to others. “The NASE continues to fight for a fair health care system where micro-business owners and the self-employed can find affordable ways to insure their families and employees,” said Kristie Darien, NASE executive director of the legislative offices. “Health savings accounts used in conjunction with high-deductible health plans provide alternatives for micro-business owners.” NASE members have access to a health savings account administrator. Visit, www.NASE.org and type “HSA” in the Quick Link feature. For more information on the NASE position on affordable health care, visit http://advocacy.NASE.org.

Another Supreme Court Nomination, Indictment Dominate Congressional Agenda

Harriet Miers Congress's legislative agenda is again taking a back seat due to this week's announcement of President George W. Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court and also the growing legal troubles of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas. Harriet Miers has been nominated to fill the Associate Justice seat currently held by Sandra Day O’Connor , who tendered her resignation earlier this summer. Bush had initially nominated John Roberts to fill O’Connor’s position. However, with the passing of former Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Roberts got the nod for Chief Justice. The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), says he expects no less than an up-or-down vote on Miers by Thanksgiving. The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), remained optimistic about the nomination as well. “I look forward to the Judiciary Committee process which will help the American people learn more about Harriet Miers, and help the Senate determine whether she deserves a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court,” said Reid. In the meantime, Representative Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been indicted by two Texas grand juries on charges of conspiracy and money laundering. He has temporarily resigned from his position of majority leader but denounces all allegations. DeLay is accused of channeling corporate donations through the Republican National Committee to candidates in Texas statehouse campaigns in 2002. Corporate campaign contributions violate Texas law. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee is also in the hot seat. He faces a Securities and Exchange Commission and Justice Department investigations regarding recent stock sales. While Congressional leaders have high hopes of passing more meaningful legislation this session, the next few weeks, at least, will probably be dominated by Bush’s Supreme Court nomination and the investigations of leading Members of Congress. Some issues, like the estate tax and health care information technology measure may be pushed off until next year with these other issues at the forefront and many appropriations bills that still need to be agreed upon.

SBTV Wants to Hear from YOU

At the beginning of this year, the NASE partnered with the Small Business Television Network (SBTV), the first television network on the Web devoted 100 percent to small business news. NASE members can view videos from SBTV NASE Web site, or at www.SBTV.com. Now, SBTV wants to know more about you to better serve the small business community. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. To begin the survey, click here.

President’s Tax Reform Panel Update

The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform has postponed the release date for its recommendations for tax reform to November 1, 2005. Originally the report was to be released by the beginning of summer. That deadline was pushed back to September 30, 2005. The panel had to postpone meetings and the release date due to Hurricane Katrina. The panel will be meeting twice in October and releasing its report at the beginning of November. President Bush issued an executive order to postpone the deadline. The NASE continues to follow this issue closely. For more information, visit the panel’s Web site at http://www.taxreformpanel.gov/index.shtml.