CRN publishes data in support of expanding HSA and FSA coverage to include dietary supplements

Expanding Access for Tax-Preferred Accounts

In a recent press release, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) announced new data demonstrating that the expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and other similar methods that involve dietary supplements, would only pose “a modest budget impact” of $12.2 billion over the course of 10 years.¹

The analysis was organized by John Dunham & Associates. Data showed how supplements could more accessible and be offered to Americans at one-quarter of the cost through their tax-preferred health accounts.

Key findings from the report showed¹:

• $12.2 billion: True 10-year net fiscal impact—75% lower than earlier estimates.
• $9.8 billion: Portion representing direct income tax reductions, showing limited effect on federal revenues.
• Realistic uptake: Data show most account holders do not rush to spend down balances—only 27% of HSA and 36% of FSA holders currently use these accounts for OTC products, indicating limited but meaningful adoption for supplements.
• Public health upside: Allowing supplements through HSAs/FSAs empowers consumers to fill nutrient gaps, supporting wellness and prevention without significant cost to the Treasury.

“This analysis confirms what we’ve long believed,” said Steve Mister, President & CEO of CRN.¹ “Expanding access to supplements through HSAs and FSAs is commonsense policy—affordable, practical, and good for public health.”

As dietary supplements have become a method for Americans to manage health conditions and other nutritional needs, the press release mentioned that through making tax-preferred accounts more accessible for supplement purchases, policymakers are able to¹:

• Empower families to take preventive health steps on their own terms.
• Close nutrient gaps that contribute to chronic conditions and rising healthcare costs.
• Align policy with consumer choice, just as these accounts already cover OTC medicines and first-aid supplies.

In the past, congressional committees have projected that a policy similar to the analysis would be expensive.

“Our data show clearly: original projections were off—the real numbers prove this policy is both affordable and beneficial,” Mister added.¹

CRN Convergence 2025

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Kyle Diamantas will be speaking at the upcoming Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Convergence ‘25 event, taking place Oct. 8–10, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton, in St. Louis, Missouri.² Deputy Commissioner Diamantas will speak with Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO at the October 10 Fireside Chat at the Breakfast Session, CRN announced in a September 9 press release.²

Deputy Commissioner Diamantas oversees FDA nutrition and food safety activities; directs US food policy; is a liaison between the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services, and The White House; and also serves as an agency representative for international organizations and governments.

The conversation will cover the priorities of the Human Foods Program as well as the policy landscape influencing the supplement market.

“Sitting down with Deputy Commissioner Diamantas for a candid, on-the-record conversation is a timely opportunity for our industry,” stated Mister.² “Attendees can expect a substantive discussion about FDA’s program priorities and what they mean for supplement companies—from new dietary ingredient notifications and labeling to enforcement expectations and transparency.”

Deputy Commissioner Diamantas will join many other speakers at the event, including keynote speakers Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Axios and Politico, and Daniel Kraft, M.D., physician-scientist and founder of NextMed Health.²

“Jim VandeHei and Daniel Kraft offer the kind of perspectives that will equip leaders to see beyond today’s headlines and topline technology soundbites,” stated Mister in an August 26 press release from CRN.² “From understanding political shifts in Washington—and how to navigate them—to game-changing advances in how technology will impact healthcare and nutrition, their sessions will help attendees think strategically about the forces shaping both our operating environment and long-term opportunities.”

References

1. New analysis shows consumers will benefit from expanded HSA/FSA access to supplements-at a fraction of the projected cost https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/new-analysis-shows-consumers-will-benefit-expanded-hsa-fsa-access-supplements-fraction (accessed Sep 25, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. FDA Human Foods deputy commissioner Kyle Diamantas to speak at CRN convergence 2025 https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/fda-human-foods-deputy-commissioner-kyle-diamantas-to-speak-at-crn-convergence-2025 (accessed Sep 25, 2025).