On November 6, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) issued a statement attributed to AAFP President Gary LeRoy, MD, of Dayton, OH, on the Primary Care Patient Protection Act. The statement reads as follows:
“The Primary Care Patient Protection Act of 2019 introduced by Senator Angus King (I-ME) takes the financial fear away from Americans who seek care from their primary care physicians. The AAFP welcomes this legislation and looks forward to working with the Senate to support its passage.
“By allowing two no-cost primary care visits each year for Americans with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), the Primary Care Patient Protection Act helps ensure patients will get the care they need before they develop a condition that requires intensive, more costly attention.
“Families face competing challenges between financial and physical health as deductibles increase. According to a study from the Commonwealth Fund, adults with HDHP and a deductible of $3,000 or more reported problems getting needed care because of cost. In fact, 30% reported that they had a medical problem but did not go the doctor or clinic because of its associated cost. Additionally, 47% reported that they had at least one cost-related access problem and 23% reported that they did not fill a prescription due to its out-of-pocket cost.
“Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov and state health insurance marketplaces began November 1, and many individuals and families looking to secure affordable coverage will elect to enroll in an HDHP. The Primary Care Patient Protection Act helps to ensure that those enrolled in HDHPs have access to meaningful coverage that enables them to see their primary care doctor when they need to.
“If implemented, the Primary Care Patient Protection Act would enable them to see their primary care doctor for acute care such as an injury or upper respiratory infection without concern over their pocketbook. The legislation also benefits patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, who require regulatory testing and monitoring.
“These are provisions that we all should applaud.”