Direct Primary Care Bill Filed by Senator Tom Lee Increases Access to Quality Healthcare

Senator Tom Lee announced today the filing of Senate Bill 80, which increases patient access to quality primary care by establishing an alternative to the traditional third party, fee-for-service insurance system.
“Direct primary care offers an innovative solution to a healthcare system plagued by exorbitant costs and a lack of quality care for the uninsured and underinsured,” Senator Lee said. “This type of free-market approach gives patients greater flexibility and expands access to concierge-level healthcare that was once available only to the wealthy.”
In a direct primary care model, doctors charge patients a flat monthly, quarterly, or annual fee. A full range of comprehensive primary care visits and services are included under this contract, ranging from acute and urgent care to regular checkups, labs, preventative care and chronic disease management. Physicians are able to spend more time caring directly for their patients and significantly reduce operating expenses by cutting out the hassle and costs associated with billing a health insurance company.
“Direct primary care offers gives patients the opportunity to establish an enduring and trusting relationship with their primary care provider, which ultimately leads to superior health outcomes, lower costs and an enhanced patient experience,” Senator Lee added.
The proposed bill defines direct primary care agreements, clarifies them as outside the scope of state insurance regulation, and establishes protections for both patients and physicians.
“These arrangements empower Florida families by giving them more control and choice in how they pay for the care they need,” Senator Lee said.
For more information on SB 80, click here.