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A bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives has reintroduced the Primary Care Enhancement Act, aiming to expand access to Direct Primary Care (DPC). The legislation is led by Congressman Lloyd Smucker and co-led by Reps. Dan Crenshaw, Jimmy Panetta, Brad Schneider, Kim Schrier, and Claudia Tenney. This initiative seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to use their funds for DPC services.
"As a former business owner that provided health insurance for over 150 employees, I know that innovative care delivery models like Direct Primary Care put patients in charge of their health," said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. He emphasized the need for this legislative change due to current IRS interpretations that restrict HSA holders from accessing DPC.
Rep. Crenshaw added, "Allowing people to use their Health Savings Accounts for direct primary care is just common sense." He highlighted the role of primary-care providers in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
Rep. Panetta stated, "The Primary Care Enhancement Act would give individuals and employers more flexibility," advocating for modernizing healthcare systems to ensure access to affordable primary care.
"I am proud to support the Primary Care Enhancement Act," said Rep. Schneider, emphasizing its potential to remove financial barriers and empower individuals regarding their health decisions.
Congresswoman Schrier noted her medical background's influence on supporting this bill: "Dependable access to primary care can be the key."
Congresswoman Tenney described DPC as an innovative model that empowers patients: "DPC has become an increasingly popular option."
Supporters of the bill include Dean Clancy from Americans for Prosperity who stated it provides a "Personal Option" in healthcare without insurance company interference. Joel White from the Council for Affordable Health Coverage commended the effort as vital for improving affordable care access.
Elizabeth Mitchell from Purchasers Business Group on Health praised increased primary care access as beneficial both financially and medically: "We strongly support this legislation."
The DPC model involves patients paying regular fees directly for services rather than through traditional insurance plans. This approach reportedly reduces overall healthcare costs while enhancing service accessibility.
Currently, IRS rules prevent HSA holders from using funds on DPC arrangements or contributing if they have such plans; however, this bill seeks changes allowing these payments before Medicare enrollment begins—potentially decreasing unmanaged chronic conditions' incidence nationwide.