Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act

12/19/2024, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 7681

Bill 118 hr 7681, also known as the Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act, aims to make primary and virtual healthcare services more affordable and accessible to all Americans. The bill focuses on reducing out-of-pocket costs for individuals seeking primary care services, as well as expanding access to virtual care options.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to help healthcare providers implement virtual care services, such as telehealth and telemedicine. This program would provide funding to help cover the costs of technology and training needed to offer virtual care options to patients.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase transparency in healthcare pricing, making it easier for patients to compare costs for different primary care services. This transparency is intended to help individuals make more informed decisions about their healthcare and potentially lower overall healthcare costs. Overall, the Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act seeks to address the rising costs of healthcare in the United States by promoting more affordable and accessible primary and virtual care options for all Americans. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to improve healthcare affordability and access.

Congressional Summary of HR 7681

Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act

This bill extends until January 1, 2027, the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules. It also provides a high deductible health plan safe harbor for the absence of a deductible for certain primary care services provided in any plan year beginning on or before December 31, 2023.

The Government Accountability Office must complete a study, and report on, the effects of the safe harbor for certain primary care services.

 

Current Status of Bill HR 7681

Bill HR 7681 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 13, 2024. Bill HR 7681 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 13, 2024.  Bill HR 7681's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7681

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7681

Primary Policy Focus

Taxation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7681

Primary and Virtual Care Affordability ActPrimary and Virtual Care Affordability ActTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules, to establish a safe harbor for high deductible health plans with no deductible for certain primary care services, and to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of such safe harbor.
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