Assembly Bill 8 aims to create a legal framework for direct primary care agreements in Wisconsin, exempting them from traditional insurance laws. A direct primary care agreement is defined as a contract between a healthcare provider and a patient (or their representative) where the provider agrees to deliver primary care services for a specified subscription fee and duration. The bill outlines specific criteria for a valid agreement, including written documentation, mutual termination rights, detailed descriptions of services, and explicit fee structures. Importantly, it prohibits billing insurers for services included in the subscription fee and requires clear communication that such agreements do not constitute health insurance.
Additionally, the bill establishes protections for patients regarding their health status, ensuring that providers cannot refuse to enter into agreements based solely on a patient's health condition. It also prohibits discrimination based on various factors, including race and gender identity. Providers may only terminate agreements under specific circumstances, such as non-payment or failure to adhere to treatment plans. The legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency and patient education regarding the limitations of direct primary care agreements in relation to health insurance coverage.