FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019
Statement attributable to:
Gary LeRoy, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The Primary Care Patient Protection Act of 2019 introduced today by Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, takes the financial fear away from Americans who seek care from their primary care physicians. The American Academy of Family Physicians welcomes this legislation and we look forward to working with the Senate to support its passage.
“By allowing two no-cost primary care visits each year for Americans with high-deductible health plans, the Primary Care Patient Protection Act helps ensure patients will get the care they need before they develop a condition that requires intensive, more costly attention.
“Families face competing challenges between financial and physical health as deductibles increase. According to a study from the Commonwealth Fund, adults with HDHP and a deductible of $3,000 or more reported problems getting needed care because of cost. In fact, 30% reported that they had a medical problem but did not go the doctor or clinic because of its associated cost. Additionally, 47% reported that they had at least one cost-related access problem and 23% reported that they did not fill a prescription due to its out-of-pocket cost.
“Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov and state health insurance marketplaces began Nov. 1, and many individuals and families looking to secure affordable coverage will elect to enroll in an HDHPs. The Primary Care Patient Protection Act helps to ensure that those enrolled in HDHPs have access to meaningful coverage that enables them to see their primary care doctor when they need to.
“If implemented, the Primary Care Patient Protection Act would enable them to see their primary care doctor for acute care such as an injury or upper respiratory infection without concern over their pocketbook. The legislation also benefits patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, who require regulatory testing and monitoring.
“These are provisions that we all should applaud.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. LeRoy, contact Leslie Champlin, (800) 274-2237, Ext. 6252, or lchampli@aafp.org.
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About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.