Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Mark Kelly have introduced a new bill aimed at improving access to primary care for Medicaid recipients in rural areas. The legislation, named the Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act, would allow state Medicaid programs to explore and implement direct primary care (DPC) arrangements.

Senator Blackburn highlighted the healthcare disparities faced by rural communities, noting that "78 of Tennessee’s 95 counties are rural – making it extremely important to improve primary care access for Medicaid recipients in these communities." She emphasized that the proposed act would give states more flexibility to tackle these issues.

Senator Kelly added that "access to quality primary care is essential for the health and well-being of Arizonans," stating that expanding care options will help providers better address health needs and enhance preventive care.

The DPC model offers patients consistent access to primary care services for a flat monthly fee, removing third-party billing from most primary care interactions. This approach aims to reduce costs and administrative burdens while improving patient outcomes. It is primarily used by privately insured or self-pay patients but shows potential benefits for Medicaid populations, particularly in underserved areas.

Current data shows a shortage of primary care providers in rural regions, with only 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people compared to 53.3 per 100,000 in urban areas. With an expected shortfall of up to 55,200 primary care physicians by 2032 nationwide, expanding DPC could help mitigate these challenges.

The bill seeks to codify state authority over DPC arrangements within Medicaid programs, providing greater flexibility to address specific regional healthcare needs.