Bill 117 HR 4301, also known as the Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2021, aims to improve access to primary care services for individuals across the United States. The bill seeks to achieve this by expanding the types of healthcare providers who can be considered primary care providers under Medicare.
Specifically, the bill would allow nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists to be recognized as primary care providers under Medicare, in addition to physicians. This expansion of the definition of primary care providers is intended to increase access to care for individuals, particularly in underserved areas where there may be a shortage of physicians.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase reimbursement rates for primary care services provided by these non-physician providers, in order to incentivize their participation in the Medicare program. This is seen as a way to address the growing demand for primary care services in the US, as well as to improve the overall quality of care provided to patients.
Overall, the Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2021 aims to address the shortage of primary care providers in the US by expanding the types of healthcare professionals who can be considered primary care providers under Medicare, and by increasing reimbursement rates for their services. This is intended to improve access to care for individuals, particularly in underserved areas, and to enhance the overall quality of primary care services provided to patients.