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 written 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 these agreements, including the requirement for written documentation, the ability for either party to terminate the agreement with notice, and a clear description of the services provided. Importantly, the agreement must state that it is not health insurance and that patients are responsible for any services not covered by the subscription fee.

The bill also includes provisions to protect patients from discrimination based on health status, race, or other characteristics, ensuring that healthcare providers cannot refuse to enter into or terminate agreements solely based on a patient's health condition. Providers may only decline to accept a patient if their practice has reached capacity or if the patient's medical needs exceed the provider's capabilities. Additionally, the bill allows for termination of the agreement under specific circumstances, such as non-payment or failure to adhere to treatment plans. Overall, Assembly Bill 8 seeks to promote direct primary care arrangements while ensuring patient rights and provider responsibilities are clearly defined.