Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) have reintroduced the bipartisan Primary Care Enhancement Act to increase access to primary care physicians for patients and families.

Similar legislation was introduced by Congressmen Paulsen and Blumenauer in the previous session of Congress. The Primary Care Enhancement Act provides patients with more flexibility in their health care options by giving them greater access to direct primary care, an innovative delivery model that offers integrated primary care service paid for by low monthly membership-based fees. Currently, patients have limited access to direct primary care, because it is considered a form of insurance coverage and not a medical service. By clarifying current tax and regulatory language, patients and their families will be able to utilize this model of high-quality health care with primary care physicians.  

“Our goal is to provide patients with health care that is patient-centered, accessible, and affordable,” said Congressman Erik Paulsen.“Direct primary care is one of the most popular options that fits those needs for many in Minnesota and across the country. This bipartisan, commonsense fix will empower patients by improving access to high-quality direct primary care and providing them the flexibility to pursue the health care that best suits them.”

“Giving patients more flexibility to access the care they need is what this bill is all about,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer.“This model of care has been proven to both improve patient care and lead to better health care experiences. Our legislation allows patients greater opportunities to save for their care, while at the same time helping them receive high-quality services that keep them healthy.” 

The legislation would also empower consumers to use their Health Savings Account dollars to pay for the monthly membership fees.A companion bill will be introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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