119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9257
The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026 requires health insurance plans to cover three primary care visits and three behavioral health care visits per year without charging patients any copayments, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs. The law applies to employer-sponsored group health plans, individual health insurance policies, and plans offered through the Affordable Care Act exchanges. Primary care visits include appointments with doctors like general practitioners and family physicians, as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, while behavioral health care visits cover appointments with mental health professionals including psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and counselors. The new coverage requirements take effect two years after the law is enacted, meaning they would apply to insurance plans beginning in 2028 or later.