What does Preamble of Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The proposed amendment would remove the requirement for qualified health plans to utilize a provider network.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026.

What does PROVIDING THAT QUALIFIED HEALTH PLANS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE A of Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to allow qualified health plans to meet certain criteria without maintaining a provider network. Starting January 1, 2027, the Secretary may not require a plan to maintain a provider network to meet the criteria established under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1311(c)(2). The ACA is amended to allow plans without provider networks to be certified on that basis, beginning January 1, 2027. Qualified health plans that do not maintain a provider network must provide information to enrollees and potential enrollees regarding expected out-of-pocket costs and potential balance billing, starting January 1, 2027. These plans must also provide customer service or online resources to help enrollees find providers who accept the plan's benefit amounts as payment in full, beginning January 1, 2027.

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Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/2/2026 · Introduced: 6/2/2026

Author: Michael Rulli (R-OH)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the Affordable Care Act to permit qualified health plans to operate without a provider network, starting January 1, 2027.
Health plans without provider networks, as allowed under this bill, must inform enrollees about potential out-of-pocket costs and balance billing.
These plans are required to offer customer service or online resources to assist enrollees in finding providers who accept the plan's benefit amounts as full payment.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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