An Act to Expand Direct Health Care Service Arrangements
Sponsored By: Joshua Morris (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Insurers must honor direct care referrals
Beginning January 1, 2018, your health plan cannot deny payment just because your referral came from a direct care provider outside the network. If the service is covered, your deductible, copay, and coinsurance must be the same as if an in-network primary care provider made the referral. The insurer can ask for a short proof, like a written attestation or a copy of your direct care agreement, to process the claim.
Rules for direct care providers and payment
The law defines direct health care agreements and who counts as a direct health care provider. You, your representative, or a third party can pay the fees without affecting the agreement. Providers can also see other patients under insurance contracts. They may join insurer products that supplement direct care and take part in federal or state pilot programs.
Direct care plans are not insurance
The law classifies direct health care agreements as not insurance, so the Bureau of Insurance does not regulate them. Every agreement must clearly state it is not insurance, that fees are not reimbursed by insurance, and do not count toward your deductible. The agreement only covers the services it lists. Providers can bill you separately for services not listed.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joshua Morris
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 358
6/18/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/13/2025HousePASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/13/2025SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-668) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-668), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/13/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-668).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/12/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence
4/8/2025SenateCommittee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/8/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-668), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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