Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9107
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T16:51:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to allow qualified health plans (QHPs) sold on ACA exchanges to operate without maintaining a provider network, aiming to increase consumer choice in health insurance options.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is named the "Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026."
- Network Requirement Clarification: Starting with plan years on or after January 1, 2027, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary cannot require QHPs to maintain a provider network to meet ACA criteria for essential health benefits or other standards.
- Exchange Certification: ACA exchanges cannot deny certification to a QHP solely because it lacks a provider network, effective for the same plan years.
- Transparency Rules: Plans without networks must provide plain-language information on expected out-of-pocket costs and balance billing risks, plus customer service or online tools to help enrollees locate accepting providers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill modifies ACA sections 1311(c) and 1311(e) by adding explicit language that removes any prior expectation or requirement for provider networks in QHPs. It introduces new consumer protection obligations for non-network plans while preserving the ACA's overall framework.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS and state exchanges must update certification processes and oversight to accommodate non-network plans, potentially requiring new guidance or systems.
- Citizens: Individuals may gain access to more insurance options, but could face higher out-of-pocket costs or balance billing without network protections.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Health insurance issuers offering QHPs.
- ACA exchange enrollees and potential buyers.
- Healthcare providers who may see changes in payment acceptance.
- Federal and state regulatory agencies responsible for ACA implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The changes clarify statutory authority under the ACA without altering core constitutional provisions. They may prompt debates on balancing consumer choice against cost protections, but introduce no major new legal challenges or shifts in federal-state authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (4 pages)