Healthy Competition for Better Care Act

Increased Choice and Flexibility: By banning agreements that restrict a health plan's ability to steer participants to other health care providers or offer incentives for specific providers, the bill allows for more movement within a network. (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i-ii))

Greater Competition for Lower Costs: The bill prohibits agreements that restrict other group health plans or insurance issuers from paying a lower rate for items or services than the plan involved in the agreement. (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(iv))

Protection Against Forced Affiliations: The bill prevents agreements from requiring health plans to enter into additional agreements with an affiliate of a covered entity or requiring them to agree to specific payment rates for an affiliate not party to the agreement. (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(B-C))

Exceptions for Specific Organizations: Certain entities, such as health maintenance organizations operating through exclusive contracts with multi-specialty physician groups or value-based network arrangements (like accountable care organizations or integrated health systems), are exempt from these prohibitions. (Section 2(a)(2)(A-B))

Delayed Implementation: The new rules regarding these contracts will not apply until 18 months after the date the Act is enacted. (Section 2(b))