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

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.”

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 Tuesday by the offices of both Congresswomen.^1,2

“MetLife strongly supports the PAW Act, which helps pet parents address unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from a pet’s illness or accident. This bill is a critical step towards promoting the health and well-being of pets by helping pet parents access the care their pets need while protecting their financial wellness,” Brian Jorgensen, head of pet insurance, MetLife, said.

“The AVMA-endorsed People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act helps maintain animal and human health, promotes and emphasizes the health benefits of pet ownership, and allows more people to become pet owners. Ensuring veterinary care and pet health insurance are eligible expenses under Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts means more affordable care for pets, greater access to care for service animals, and an enhanced ability to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases. We thank Reps. Tenney and Ross for their leadership on this issue and urge Congress to promptly pass the PAW Act,” Sandra Faeh, DVM, president of the AVMA, said.

“We salute Reps. Claudia Tenney and Deborah Ross for their leadership in introducing common-sense legislation to make veterinary care more affordable for millions of pet owners. Representatives Tenney and Ross are champions of the human-animal bond, recognizing that pets and service animals positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of American families” Steven Feldman, president of HABRI, said.

References

1. Congresswomen Ross, Tenney introduce bipartisan legislation to support pet owners by making veterinary care more affordable. News release. Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02). September 10, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. https://ross.house.gov/2024/9/congresswomen-ross-tenney-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-pet-owners-by-making-veterinary-care-more-affordable
2. Congresswoman Tenney introduces legislation to support pet owners by making veterinary care more affordable. News release. Rep. Claudia Tenney (NC-02). September 10, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2024. https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-introduces-legislation-support-pet-owners-making