Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026

The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act of 2026 requires group health plans to cover a minimum of three primary care visits and three behavioral health care visits each year without charging copayments or deductibles. This mandate applies to plans governed by ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that these specific visits are treated the same as other covered services regarding reimbursement rates and treatment limits. The law defines primary care visits as in-person appointments with designated providers like family physicians or nurse practitioners, while behavioral health visits include services from a wider range of professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists. These provisions would take effect for plan years beginning two years after the bill is enacted, aiming to reduce financial barriers to routine and mental health care.