Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Make First Three Primary Care and Mental Health Visits Free Every Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently introduced her Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act, which would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or a deductible-related fee. The legislation would improve overall access to mental, behavioral, and primary healthcare. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Angus King (ME).

"As a doctor, I saw patients delay care because of high deductibles and the high initial out-of-pocket cost of an office visit," said Congresswoman Schrier. "This meant that sometimes simple conditions turned into serious ones before they'd see the doctor. That is why I introduced this commonsense legislation that will require insurance companies to cover three primary care visits a year, in addition to outpatient mental health or substance use disorder treatment with no out-of-pocket cost. We need to ensure patients can access the care they need, when they need it."

In 2024, about 1 in 6 adults (17%) in the U.S. reported delaying or not getting healthcare due to cost. Out-of-pocket costs, which can be over $200 per visit, are a key barrier to seeking care. By reducing financial barriers for these visits, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would help patients access the care they need to improve their health and well-being.

"Health care costs are out of control and stopping too many Americans from getting the care they need. Here in Illinois, families are being asked to pay hundreds of dollars out of their pockets just to see their primary care doctor for a cold, or to get treatment for a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or addiction," said Congresswoman Underwood. "Our legislation will make sure financial barriers aren't coming between Illinoisans and the primary and mental health care they need."

"Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy - it is also a prevention measure that saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run," said Senator King. "The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn't have to happen because the problem was caught early. This commonsense approach, making routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible and cheaper for all Americans, is the first step in supporting the longevity and success of our communities, our family and our friends."

This legislation is supported by the Clinical Social Work Association, National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Mom Congress, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), PA Education Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Association on Health and Disability, National Association of Social Workers, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH), Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, International OCD Foundation, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Faces & Voices of Recovery, and the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

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