MS HB1292

Brings forward sections 83-81-1, 83-81-3, 83-81-5, 83-81-7, 83-81-9, and 83-81-11 of the Mississippi Direct Primary Care Act for possible amendment.

Defines direct primary care as a contract between a primary care provider and patient or employer where services are provided for an agreed-upon periodic fee without billing third parties on a fee-for-service basis.

Specifies that direct primary care agreements are not insurance products and providers do not need a certificate of authority or license under insurance regulations to offer such agreements.

Requires direct primary care agreements to be in writing, signed by the patient, allow either party to terminate on written notice, describe covered services, specify fees and duration, and prominently disclose that the agreement is not health insurance and does not satisfy the Affordable Care Act's health benefit requirements.

Prohibits direct primary care providers from declining patients or discontinuing care solely based on health status, but allows them to decline if at maximum capacity or unable to provide appropriate care; permits discontinuation for non-payment, fraud, non-adherence to treatment, abusive behavior, practice closure, or dysfunctional physician-patient relationships.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.