Legalizing Premium Health Care Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced
Summary
Freedom to contract for Medicare services. This bill would create a Medicare option that lets beneficiaries and eligible professionals freely enter written contracts for Medicare-covered items and services and submit claims for payment under Medicare rules.
Show full summary
- Beneficiaries gain the right to sign a written contract that lists the services and payment before care. The contract must be signed and it prevents the beneficiary from owing charges above the agreed amount during the contract period.
- Eligible professionals can contract with Medicare patients whether they are participating or not. Payment for claims under those contracts is calculated as it would be under Medicare and is treated as if the professional were participating, without changing their participation status.
- People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are not eligible to use this contracting option.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New Medicare private contracting option
If enacted, you would be able to sign a written contract with a doctor or eligible professional for Medicare-covered services. Contracts must be signed by both parties and list all terms, including the exact payment, before care. You could have the professional file Medicare and supplemental claims for you and assign payment; Medicare would pay the normal Medicare amount and a non-participating professional would be paid as if participating. The contracting option would not be available if you also get Medicaid (dual-eligible). The bill would block States from enforcing limits on what providers charge for those services, which could raise out-of-pocket costs for some people. Contracts could not be made during an emergency or when care is needed within 12 hours. The bill would also make a technical change to how some "opt-out" doctors are treated in the law.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Paul, Rand [R-KY]
KY • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 5/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov