Health insurance; denial of referral by direct primary care provider prohibited.
The bill was recently voted upon in the Senate, where it received nine affirmative votes and six negative votes, showing a split opinion. Its continuation to the 2025 session in the Commerce and Labor committee suggests that further discussion and consideration will take place before any final enactment.
The introduction of SB735 could significantly impact the landscape of healthcare delivery in Virginia. By preventing health carriers from denying payment for services referred by direct primary care providers, the bill endeavors to enhance patient access to care. Additionally, it seeks to standardize cost-sharing requirements, ensuring that patients do not incur higher costs for services based on the provider from whom they receive the referral. This change could improve the viability of direct primary care models and encourage more providers to adopt this method of care.
SB735 is a bill introduced in the Virginia General Assembly that seeks to prohibit health insurance carriers from denying referrals made by direct primary care providers. The bill defines a 'direct primary care provider' as a healthcare professional engaged in an agreement with patients for ongoing primary care services in exchange for a monthly fee. This legislative measure aims to ensure that patients can access necessary healthcare services without facing additional obstacles imposed by insurance companies based on the type of provider making the referral.
While SB735 has garnered support for promoting patient choice and access to healthcare, there could be concerns from insurance companies regarding the financial implications of mandating such a policy. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to increased costs for insurers, which could, in turn, affect premiums for enrollees. There may also be discussions around the quality of care provided by direct primary care providers compared to traditional models, potentially influencing legislative debates around the bill's efficacy and necessity.