Health ACCESS Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6100
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-12T13:43:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Health Accelerating Consumer's Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling Act (Health ACCESS Act) aims to improve patient access to health care by reducing legal barriers for online platforms that help people find and book medical services. It does this by creating a safe harbor (a legal exception) under the anti-kickback statute, which normally prohibits payments that could influence health care choices, to allow fair payments to certain web-based directories without risking penalties.
Key Provisions
- New Exception to Anti-Kickback Rules: Adds a specific allowance for payments from health care providers (like hospitals or doctors) or suppliers (like medical equipment companies) to "information service providers" (operators of online platforms) for participating in these services.
- Conditions for the Exception:
- The platform must not steer users toward specific providers based on payment amounts, offer medical advice or services, share user contact info without consent, arrange transportation, provide extra incentives to patients, or use targeted marketing (like unsolicited calls or texts) to non-users or those who opted out.
- Payments must be set in advance, in writing, at fair market value (a reasonable price based on market standards), for clearly defined services, and not based on the value of government-funded care provided to users.
- Platforms must disclose financial ties to participating providers, share info based on neutral, user-focused criteria (like location or availability), allow all qualifying providers to join without exclusion, and meet any additional rules set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Definitions:
- Consumer: An individual using the platform to search for providers or suppliers.
- Information Service: A website primarily for searchable, bookable directories of health care providers or suppliers.
- Information Service Provider: Any person or company running such a web platform.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act, which outlines exceptions to the anti-kickback statute (a law that bans improper financial incentives in federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid). It adds a new subparagraph (M) to the list of safe harbors and includes new definitions in paragraph (5). Previously, payments to online platforms risked being seen as illegal inducements; this creates an explicit carve-out to encourage neutral, consumer-friendly tools without altering other anti-kickback rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens/Patients: Could make it easier and faster to find and schedule health care appointments online, reducing barriers like phone wait times or limited info, especially for those in rural or underserved areas.
- On Government Agencies: HHS gains flexibility to add conditions via regulations, potentially increasing oversight of these platforms to prevent abuse, but without new funding or major administrative burdens.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic health care policy focused on U.S. federal programs.
- Broader Effects: May boost innovation in health tech by clarifying legal risks, leading to more user-friendly apps or sites, though it could raise concerns if platforms inadvertently favor certain providers.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers/Patients: Benefit from easier access to neutral provider directories.
- Providers of Services and Suppliers: Hospitals, doctors, clinics, and equipment suppliers can participate in platforms and make fair payments without anti-kickback fears, potentially increasing their visibility to patients.
- Information Service Providers: Online platforms (e.g., booking sites like Zocdoc analogs) gain legal protection to operate and earn revenue, encouraging growth.
- Government: HHS and federal health programs (Medicare, Medicaid) ensure protections against fraud while promoting access; Congress (via committees like Energy and Commerce) oversees implementation.
- Health Care Industry: Insurers and tech companies may see indirect effects through expanded digital tools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens compliance with the anti-kickback statute by providing a targeted safe harbor, reducing litigation risks for compliant platforms while maintaining fraud safeguards. It empowers HHS to adapt rules, promoting regulatory flexibility without needing new laws.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; aligns with Congress's authority over federal spending and health programs under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan support (sponsors from both parties) suggests broad appeal for improving health access amid ongoing debates on telehealth and digital care post-COVID. Could set precedent for future tech-health integrations but might face scrutiny from anti-fraud advocates if perceived as loosening oversight.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Health Accelerating Consumer’s Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling Act — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (6 pages)