Health Accelerating Consumer’s Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling Act; Health ACCESS Act
Summary
The Health ACCESS Act aims to amend Title XI of the Social Security Act to improve patient access to healthcare. It focuses on lowering barriers by addressing potential anti-kickback concerns related to information service providers. These providers offer web-based platforms that help consumers find and book healthcare services.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to create a safe harbor within the existing anti-kickback statute for certain payments made to information service providers. This would allow these platforms to operate without fear of prosecution, provided they meet specific criteria designed to protect consumers. The intended outcome is increased patient access to healthcare through self-scheduling and improved information.
Potential Benefits
- Increased patient access to healthcare services through online platforms.
- Greater transparency in healthcare provider selection.
- Promotion of consumer-centric criteria in healthcare information services.
- Encouragement of innovation in healthcare technology.
- Prevention of steering patients based on financial incentives.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for exploitation by information service providers if regulations are not strictly enforced.
- Risk of unfair competition if some providers are excluded from platforms.
- Difficulty in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act's provisions.
- Possible unintended consequences on the healthcare market.
- Limited impact if other barriers to healthcare access are not addressed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare access for citizens. Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers, including those related to healthcare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).