Representative McLean’s direct‑pay facilities bill pulled from HB 2 after extensive testimony; committee seeks further Senate policy work

Members of House Finance Division III heard substantial testimony and robust committee discussion on an amendment replicating HB 548 FN (membership‑based / direct‑pay health facilities), a policy that seeks to extend direct‑pay models to outpatient and facility settings.

Representative John (Joe) McLean (Manchester) (first reference in transcript as Representative McLean, sponsor) described the measure as aiming to “open up competition” in health care by allowing facility‑level direct‑pay or membership models similar to direct primary care. He framed it as a modest experiment — pointing to a long‑running example in Oklahoma — and said the bill includes a study provision to track impacts.

Opponents raised economic and structural concerns. David Ross, administrator…