Relating to out-of-pocket expense credits for payments made directly to a physician or health care provider by an enrollee of a governmental employee health benefit plan.

HB 1687 creates a credit toward government employees' health plan deductibles for payments they make directly to physicians or providers when the amount paid is below the plan's discounted rate for that service. It applies to enrollees in specific governmental employee health benefit plans (including state/local government plans under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, 1601, or local government risk pools). The bill requires health plans to establish a simple online process for employees to claim these credits and verify payment amounts. The policy change takes effect for plans delivered, renewed, or with a new plan year starting January 1, 2026.