Health ACCESS Act

The Health Accelerating Consumer's Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling Act proposes to amend title XI of the Social Security Act. Its primary purpose is to establish a new exception within the federal anti-kickback statute, specifically addressing remuneration paid by healthcare providers or suppliers to certain information service providers. This aims to facilitate patient access to healthcare by allowing web-based platforms to connect consumers with providers without violating anti-kickback laws. To qualify for this exception, an information service provider must adhere to stringent conditions, including not steering consumers based on payment, refraining from providing medical advice, and ensuring transparent disclosure of financial arrangements with participating providers. Compensation paid to these platforms must be set in advance, reflect fair market value for specified services, and not be tied to the volume or value of referrals for services covered by federal healthcare programs. The bill defines an information service provider as an entity operating a web-based platform that makes provider information available to consumers, who are individuals using the platform to search for services.