Healthy Competition for Better Care Act
Sponsored By: Representative Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
Introduced
Summary
Blocks contract clauses that limit competition in health care networks and steer patients away from higher-quality or lower-cost providers. The bill would prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers from entering agreements that restrict network design flexibility under the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New limits on health plan contracts
If enacted, group health plans and insurers would be barred from contracts that block steering you to other providers or from offering incentives to use certain providers. They also could not be forced to accept terms for affiliates, or to agree to clauses that stop other plans from paying lower rates. The bill would define which counterparties count as covered entities, including providers, provider networks, and third‑party administrators. It would still allow pay‑for‑performance tools like provider tiering and centers of excellence. These rules would apply to self‑insured and fully insured group plans and to issuers offering individual coverage.
Uniform rules and 18‑month start
If enacted, HHS, Labor, and Treasury would need to issue rules within 1 year. The same protections would apply across health law, employer plan law, and related tax rules. The new rules would apply only to contracts entered into, amended, or renewed starting 18 months after enactment. Existing contracts that are not changed before then would not be affected until they renew or are amended.
Exceptions for HMOs and value-based networks
If enacted, some plans would be excluded from the new ban. HMOs that mainly use exclusive multi‑specialty doctor groups, and value‑based networks like accountable care organizations and centers of excellence, would be exempt. The Health Secretary could add similar arrangements by guidance or rulemaking.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Davis (NC)
NC • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Allen
GA • R
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Edwards
NC • R
Sponsored 12/4/2025
Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]
UT • R
Sponsored 5/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov