SB94 - Alabama Physicians and Dentists Direct Pay Act

• Physician and dentist agreements are not classified as insurance and are not subject to state insurance laws or regulations.

• Physicians and dentists offering these agreements do not need to obtain a certificate of authority beyond maintaining their current medical or dental license.

• Agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, allow termination with 30 days notice, specify the scope and cost of services, limit advance payments to 12 months, and include prominent disclosures about tax penalties, insurance deductibles, and preventive care coverage.

• Patients retain their insurance and Medicare benefits and unearned fees must be refunded upon patient-initiated termination.

• Providers may decline or discontinue care if patients fail to pay fees, commit fraud, refuse treatment plans, present safety risks, or the practice closes, consistent with Alabama Medical and Dental Practice Acts.