MN HF1157

Establishes a legal framework for direct primary care service agreements, which are written contracts between patients and primary care providers where patients pay a monthly fee for primary care services including routine health care, medical supplies, prescription drugs dispensed in-office, and laboratory work

Explicitly exempts direct primary care agreements from insurance regulation, meaning providers do not need insurance licenses to offer these arrangements and the agreements are not considered health plans under Minnesota law

Requires agreements to be in writing, signed by both parties, specify covered services and fees, include a set duration without automatic renewal, and clearly disclose that the arrangement is not health insurance and does not satisfy federal insurance mandates

Prohibits providers from declining patients or discontinuing care solely based on health status, and limits termination by providers to cases of non-payment, fraud, or abusive behavior; patients may terminate anytime with written notice effective the following month

Mandates that fees cannot vary based on health status or sex, fee increases are limited to once annually with 60 days advance notice, and violations constitute unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary action under physician and nursing licensing chapters