Sep. 27, 2017
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week approved legislation sponsored by Rep Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) that aims to improve health care payments options in the Commonwealth.
“We are blessed to in live in a country and state that are the center of some of the best advancements in health care,” said Baker. “However, this care can come at a high cost, which is something I am committed to working on in my position as chairman of the House Health Committee. My legislation would create the opportunity for another health care payment choice for patients.”
House Bill 1739 would add Pennsylvania to the list of 23 states that allow the use of a new Direct Primary Care (DPC) payment model embraced by patients, physicians, employers and payers.
It essentially would create a new law which would allow for the use of a medical service agreement, under which patients and doctors may contract for primary care services directly rather than using health insurance for the same services.
House Bill 1739 would allow the physician to provide the services and bill the individual directly, or through a third party, for a set scope of services without requiring the physician to register with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department as a health insurer or health maintenance organization.
This legislation is not intended to encourage the use of the DPC model, but rather simply remove the entrance barriers for those providers who seek to offer these services to their patients.
“This legislation can be of benefit to those individuals with a high deductible on their health insurance plan,” said Baker. “Patients could also use their Health Savings Accounts to cover the costs of their care.”
This legislation is strongly supported by the Pennsylvania Family Physician Association consisting of approximately 5,000 family physicians.
House Bill 1739 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepBaker.com