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SD 3282

An Act relative to direct primary care

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Moore

Massachusetts bill establishes regulatory framework for direct primary care practices where patients pay flat monthly fees directly to providers outside traditional insurance.

Referred to the committee on Financial Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 3282

Legislative bill overview

SD 3282 establishes a regulatory framework for direct primary care (DPC) arrangements in Massachusetts, where patients pay providers a flat monthly or annual fee for primary care services outside traditional insurance models. The bill defines DPC practices, sets requirements for patient disclosures and agreements, and clarifies how these arrangements interact with existing health insurance regulations.

Why is this important

Direct primary care models have grown nationally as an alternative to fee-for-service medicine, potentially offering patients more accessible primary care and doctors more sustainable practices. However, Massachusetts currently lacks specific statutory guidance on DPC arrangements, creating regulatory ambiguity that could either inhibit growth of these practices or leave consumers without clear protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance regulation uncertainty: The bill must clarify whether DPC arrangements constitute "insurance" under state law, which could significantly affect licensing requirements and consumer protections
  • Equity and access concerns: DPC models inherently rely on patient ability to pay monthly fees upfront, potentially excluding lower-income populations from participating practices and raising questions about healthcare equity
  • Integration with insurance requirements: The mechanism for how DPC practices interact with patients' underlying health insurance coverage (if any) and how they handle catastrophic or specialist care needs requires careful definition to avoid gaps in coverage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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