Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026
To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide for 3 primary care visits and 3 behavioral health care visits without application of any cost-sharing requirement.
HB9257, also known as the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026, aims to improve access to primary and behavioral health care by changing current health care laws. This bill proposes to require group health plans and health insurance companies to cover three primary care visits and three behavioral health care visits without charging patients any out-of-pocket costs. This means that when you visit your primary care doctor or a behavioral health specialist up to three times a year, you won't have to pay anything for those visits.
This bill would affect anyone with group health insurance or individual health insurance plans, ensuring they can see their primary care doctor and behavioral health specialists without worrying about extra costs. This could particularly help people who need regular check-ups or mental health services but might otherwise avoid them due to cost concerns. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to several committees for further review.
As of June 11, 2026, HB9257 was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means. These committees will consider the bill and decide how to move forward. There are no further actions recorded yet, so the bill is still in its initial stages of the legislative process.
