Rand Paul
05/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2026 12:46
Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Legalizing Premium Health Care Act
Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Legalizing Premium Health Care Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Legalizing Premium Health Care Act, legislation that will give Medicare beneficiaries the freedom to see the doctor of their choice.
In recent years, burdensome paperwork requirements and declining reimbursement rates have driven thousands of health care providers, particularly those in private practice, to leave Medicare. As of March 2026, more than 50,000 physicians nationwide had opted out of the program.
"At 65, seniors are pushed into Medicare, only to discover they can no longer afford to see the doctor they've trusted for years," said Dr. Paul. "These patients shouldn't have to abandon their longtime physician or drain their savings just to receive care they've already paid for through Medicare taxes. The Legalizing Premium Health Care Act reduces government interference, respects the doctor-patient relationship, and restores patients' choice in their health care decisions."
Under current rules, when a Medicare-eligible provider opts out, patients must pay the entire bill themselves and receive no reimbursement. The Legalizing Premium Health Care Act creates a third option: Medicare will directly reimburse beneficiaries (or the provider filing on their behalf) for covered services at the standard Medicare rate. Seniors would only pay any difference between the provider's charge and Medicare's approved amount-dramatically lowering costs compared to paying the full bill.
The reform applies to a wide range of health professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, registered dietitians or nutrition professionals, physical or occupational therapists, qualified speech-language pathologists, and qualified audiologists.
Read the bill HERE.
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