Physicians Tell Committee S.2732 Would Improve Access, Let Doctors Dispense Medications
Physicians and medical groups backed S.2732 to allow direct primary care (DPC) physicians to issue referrals for patients with HMO plans and to dispense medications in-office. They said the changes could reduce delays, improve continuity and lower out‑of‑pocket costs, especially in pharmacy‑scarce areas.
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Dr. Jenny Labonte, who runs a direct primary care practice in Auburn, told the Joint Committee on Financial Services that S.2732 addresses two problems: HMOs blocking referrals from out‑of‑network primary care physicians and limits on physician in‑office dispensing. She said the 2023 CHIA health insurance survey shows wide primary‑care coverage but persistent access problems, and argued the bill would improve continuity and reduce delays to specialty care.
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