Witnesses testified regarding health savings accounts, which were created as part of the 2003 Medicare law. Health savings accounts allow individuals and families to save tax-free money for health care expenses. Supporters said that the accounts would help Americans cover the rising costs of health care and empower consumers by giving them more choices and greater authority over their own health care dollars. Opponents worried that health savings accounts might promote adverse selection and that they would fail to help those in greatest need, including the sick, elderly, and poor. Panelists also suggested various improvements to the current law.