Requirement of coverage without deductible of certain primary care services by high deductible health plans

(a)

In general

Section 223(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking if substantially all of its coverage is coverage described in paragraph (1)(B). and inserting the following:

if—(i)substantially all of its coverage is coverage described in paragraph (1)(B), or (ii)such plan has a deductible for primary care services provided by a qualified provider as part of a qualified visit.

(b)

Qualified primary care services defined

Section 223(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(6)

Primary care services

The term primary care services has the meaning given such term by section 1833(x)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act, without regard to clauses (ii) and (iii) of such section. (7)

Qualified provider

The term qualified provider means a general practitioner, family practice practitioner, general internist, obstetrician, gynecologist, pediatrician, geriatric physician, or advanced practice registered nurse acting in accordance with State laws. (8)

Qualified visit

The term qualified visit means, with respect to an individual for a plan year, either of the first 2 visits by the individual during the year with a qualified provider who is designated by such individual as the primary care provider for such individual.

(c)

Effective date

The amendment made by this section shall apply to plan years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.