Rep. Kildee Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Health Care Providers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (TNSrpt) -- Rep. Daniel Kildee, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on Sept. 20, 2022:

Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today introduced legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to make it easier for Americans to access health care services.

Kildee's legislation, the Better Directories Act, would require insurance plans to maintain an accurate list of in-network providers, including whether the provider is accepting new patients.

"Everyone deserves to have the information they need to access high-quality, affordable health care. By holding private insurance companies and health care providers accountable for providing accurate and up to date information, this legislation will make it easier for Michiganders to access the services that matches their needs," said Congressman Kildee.

In recent years, consumer reports have shown that provider directories, maintained by insurance plans, are riddled with inaccuracies. Errors included inaccurate phone numbers, mislabeling whether a provider was in-network and even if a provider is accepting new patients. This can lead to significant delays and frustrations for consumers, as well as preventing them from accessing heath care services.

The Better Directories Act would ensure private insurance plans regularly update their provider directories and include information about whether a provider is accepting new patients as well as whether a provider offers in-person or telehealth appointments. This bill requires private insurers to submit the provider directory information to the Secretaries of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury. The Departments are required to post the directories publicly in order to increase transparency and accountability--ultimately empowering consumers to select health insurance coverage that is right for their health needs.

Congressman Kildee is committed to ensuring patients have easy access to health care services. In May, Congressman Kildee introduced legislation that would allow dialysis clinics to serve as sites for telehealth services and ensure that patients are not charged an additional fee for accessing this service in a clinic.

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REPORT: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Health-Plans/ManagedCareMarketing/Downloads/Provider_Directory_Review_Industry_Report_Year2_Final_1-19-18.pdf

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Original text here: https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/kildee-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-improve-access-health-care-providers