MN HF3647

Establishes direct primary care service agreements as written contracts between patients and primary care providers (physicians or advanced practice registered nurses) that are explicitly exempt from insurance regulation and do not constitute health insurance.

Direct primary care agreements must be in writing, specify monthly fees, describe covered services, allow either party to terminate with written notice, and clearly disclose that fees do not count toward health insurance deductibles or satisfy federal insurance requirements.

Primary care services covered under agreements include routine health care screening, diagnosis and treatment, medical supplies, prescription drugs administered in the provider's office, and laboratory work.

Direct practices may not decline patients based solely on health status and may only terminate agreements if patients fail to pay fees, commit fraud, repeatedly fail to follow treatment plans, or pose safety risks; patients may terminate agreements for any reason.

Direct fees must not vary based on patient health status or sex, may be paid monthly or in advance (up to 12 months), and practices must refund unearned fees upon termination; fee increases limited to once annually with 60 days' notice.