2024 veterinary news in review: #7

The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 7 on this list:

Federal bill aims to help make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners

written by Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA

Originally published September 10, 2024

Photo: doganmesut/Adobe Stock

A bipartisan bill—the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act—that would expand the use of tax-advantaged health care spending accounts to include veterinary care expenses has been introduced in Congress. The legislation seeks to amend Internal Revenue Code Section 213(d), and would increase animal health eligibility in programs that include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).^1,2

According to Congresswomen Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY), who both introduced the bipartisan bill, the PAW Act would allow pet owners to have up to $1,000 in veterinary care expenses or purchase an animal health insurance plan paid using their HSAs or FSAs.^1,2 “Pets are more than just animals–they’re beloved members of families who bring joy, comfort, and even health benefits into our lives,” said Ross in a news release. “However, rising veterinary costs often make it challenging for families and veterans to provide care for their pets or service animals. As a dog owner, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PAW Act, which will include veterinary care and pet insurance as eligible expenses under HSAs and FSAs to help ensure every animal lover can afford care for their pets. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswoman Tenney and will keep working to see this bill signed into law.”

RELATED: 2024 veterinary news in review: #8

The legislation would also provide for limitless veterinary care expenses for service animals that assist individuals with mental and physical disabilities by ensuring the Internal Revenue Service continues to rely on an updated definition of “service animal” for health care spending accounts.^1,2 "Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it's essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care,” Tenney said in a news release. “The PAW Act offers greater flexibility to pet owners by allowing them to use HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses. This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals."

The bill was applauded by MetLife pet insurance provider, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) in news releases issued by the offices of both Congresswomen.^1,2

For more on this story, including references, view the full article here: https://www.dvm360.com/view/federal-bill-aims-to-help-make-veterinary-care-more-affordable-for-pet-owners