A new bill seeks to improve affordability and expand access to primary care for patients. The Primary Care Enhancement Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The legislation seeks to make Direct Primary Care (DPC) compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). Here’s what that means.
Families Could Save on Healthcare
The DPC model centers around patients developing a personal relationship with their primary care physician for general health concerns, minor ailments, and maintenance of some chronic diseases. By finding issues early, patients have a much better prognosis and can manage conditions better. And by giving people access to care outside of regular office hours, Telehealth makes DPC a convenient option for many. Instead of paying premiums and deductibles, members pay an affordable, flat monthly fee for their direct primary care membership.
Health savings accounts allow employees to save money to cover out-of-pocket costs incurred with an HDHP. Currently, money from an HSA can’t be used to pay DPC membership fees. If passed, the Primary Care Enhancement Act would make DPC eligible for these HSA contributions and allow pre-tax HSA funds to be used for DPC fees.
If the Primary Care Enhancement Act were to pass, it would help families save money on healthcare by allowing DPC membership in addition to their comprehensive insurance plan without having to forfeit eligibility for making Health Savings Account contributions. As the DPC model expands rapidly across the country, it only makes sense to give patients more options to see the doctor of their choice without added financial burdens.
In the meantime, if you have questions on how to incorporate Direct Primary Care (DPC), contact Healthcare2U about our nationwide integrated DPC solution.
**Content updated June 3, 2021
