Washington, D.C.—The Senate’s budget resolution includes an amendment that would expand health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement arrangements, and flexible spending accounts (FSA) to cover dietary supplements.

The amendment was introduced by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Tim Scott (R-SC). Senator Lee spoke in support of the amendment during a floor speech; the full speech can be viewedhere.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) notes in a press release that this amendment is increasingly necessary in a time when evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and serious COVID-19 illness. NPA has launched agrassroots campaignto rally support for the bill, where interested parties can send a message to U.S. Senators in support of the bill.

Related: NPA: Vilsack Hearing Spotlights Food Insecurity, “Urgent Need” to Expand Access to Supplements 2020 Dietary Guidelines Released: New Recs for Infants, No Changes to Sugar Intake NPA: NY Legislature Must Reject Proposal to Age-Restrict Supplements

“We very much appreciate the leadership of Senators Lee, Cramer, and Scott in this critical area,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA, in the press release. “A proposal such as this one ensures all Americans, including our most vulnerable have equal access to supplements. Expanding access to supplements benefits everyone, not only as we turn the corner in this pandemic but also in the long run. We urge our members to contact their elected officials and let them know how important this common-sense change is to the health of millions of Americans.”