[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING THE TAX EQUITY FOR MEAL REPLACEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS ACT OF 
                                  2009

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, there are small, common sense steps 
everyone can take to improve their health, save money, and reduce 
unnecessary visits to the doctor. Nutritional supplements can 
significantly improve health, and by making vitamins and supplements 
more affordable, we can help people stay healthy while reducing medical 
costs.
  For that reason, I have introduced the Tax Equity for Meal 
Replacements and Supplements Act of 2009, which will make it easier for 
our constituents to make healthy choices and improve their health and 
well-being. This legislation allows employees to purchase certain 
dietary supplements and meal replacement products with pre-tax dollars 
already reserved for health needs.
  The prevention of disease is a key factor in limiting health care 
expenditures. A 2007 study conducted by The Lewin Group showed that the 
appropriate use of select dietary supplements over a five year period 
would improve the health of key populations and save the nation more 
than $24 billion in healthcare costs.
  Among the findings, that report noted that if 11.3 million of the 44 
million American women who are of childbearing age and not taking folic 
acid, began taking 400 mcg. of folic acid on a daily basis, neural tube 
defects could be prevented in 600 babies, saving as much as $344 
million in the first year. Over five years, taking into account the 
cost of the supplement, $1.4 billion could potentially be saved.
  The report also highlighted the potential five-year savings in health 
care expenditures resulting from a reduction in the occurrence of 
coronary heart disease, CHD, among the population over age 65. Through 
a daily intake of approximately 1800 mg of omega-3, the occurrence of 
this disease can be reduced, saving $3.2 billion. Approximately 374,301 
hospitalizations and associated physician fees due to CHD could also be 
avoided.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this commonsense 
legislation.

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