Health ACCESS Act

This bill amends Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act to establish a new exception under the anti-kickback provisions. The legislation aims to lower barriers and increase patient access to healthcare by allowing providers and suppliers to pay "information service providers" for participation in their platforms. An "information service" is defined as a web-based platform primarily offering a bookable directory for consumers to search for healthcare providers and suppliers. To qualify for this safe harbor, information service providers must meet several strict conditions designed to ensure transparency and prevent fraud. Key requirements include prohibiting the steering of consumers to specific providers based on payment, ensuring that compensation is set in advance at fair market value and does not consider the value of services payable by federal healthcare programs. Additionally, these platforms must clearly disclose financial arrangements to consumers, provide provider information based on objective criteria, and allow any qualified provider to participate.