Bill > S3298

This bill aims to clarify and facilitate direct primary care arrangements within the Medicaid program by explicitly stating that states can provide medical assistance through direct primary care arrangements with healthcare providers. A direct primary care arrangement is defined as a method where patients receive primary care services from primary care practitioners for a fixed periodic fee, without additional compensation. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a virtual meeting with stakeholders like primary care providers, state Medicaid agencies, and Medicaid managed care organizations within one year of enactment to gather input and subsequently issue guidance to states on implementing these arrangements. Additionally, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress within two years analyzing the extent of states' contracting with independent physicians through direct primary care arrangements and evaluating the quality and cost of care under these models. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that nothing in this legislation alters existing Medicaid statutory requirements related to cost-sharing or the amount and scope of medical assistance, ensuring that patient protections remain intact while introducing more flexibility in primary care service delivery.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3298/all-info