Federal Update, NC Update

Direct Primary Care Coalition - We had an excellent meeting in DC last week.  Thanks to the efforts of Jay Keese and other members of the steering committee SB 1989 the Primary Care Enhancement Act now has bipartisan support starting with Senators Cassidy and Cantwell.  The bill would make it possible for DPC patients to have and use health savings accounts for DPC periodic fees and also establishes a pilot program where Medicare would pay the periodic fee for Medicare patients without requiring current DPC physicians to change their opted out status. 

North Carolina - Thanks to the efforts of Brian Forrest North Carolina is closer to having DPC widely available to all NC Medicaid patients.  

 

More Discount Medication Options in the Pipeline?

As many readers are well aware, DPC physicians routinely save their patient's some money by either dispensing medications in the office or using discount pharmacies such as Marley Drug. Now there is a push in DC for a mechanism to allow patients to purchase medications from pharmacies overseas.  For those interested, check out the Safe and Affordable Prescription Drugs Act of 2015.  The bill is sponsored by Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA] and currently sits in the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.