HEALTH Act

Helping Everyone Access Long Term Healthcare Act or the HEALTH Act

This bill allows a tax deduction for direct primary care physicians who provide charity care. The care must be provided without expectation of reimbursement and to an individual enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

A direct primary care physician is a physician who provides primary care (1) to individuals who have paid a periodic subscription fee, and (2) in exchange for a fee that is published on a publicly available website of the physician.

The HEALTH Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 7831, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to reform the medical malpractice system in the United States.

The HEALTH Act aims to limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits. It proposes a cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, at $250,000. This cap is intended to reduce the financial burden on healthcare providers and insurance companies, ultimately leading to lower healthcare costs for patients.

Additionally, the HEALTH Act includes provisions to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, to resolve medical malpractice claims. These methods are seen as more efficient and cost-effective than traditional litigation. Furthermore, the bill seeks to address the issue of defensive medicine, where healthcare providers order unnecessary tests and procedures to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. The HEALTH Act includes provisions to protect healthcare providers who follow clinical guidelines and best practices from being sued for medical malpractice. Overall, the HEALTH Act is aimed at reforming the medical malpractice system in the United States to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure that patients receive fair compensation for legitimate claims.