S. 4027In committeeHealth care
Senate bill targets anticompetitive health insurance contracts
Data as of July 11, 2026
This bill would ban certain contract clauses between insurers and health providers that limit competition, starting 18 months after passage.50-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would make it illegal for health insurance companies and employer health plans to sign contracts with hospitals or doctor networks that include clauses limiting competition. The banned clauses include ones that stop insurers from directing patients to lower-cost providers, force insurers to accept set prices across affiliated facilities, or block other insurers from negotiating lower prices. Exceptions exist for certain coordinated-care models like HMOs, accountable care organizations, and centers of excellence, and states may temporarily protect certain contracts signed around 2019–2020 for up to ten years.
Who does it affect?
This bill affects health insurance companies, employer health plans, hospitals, and doctor networks. Patients who receive care through those plans and providers would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
Removing these contract clauses could change how insurers negotiate prices and how patients are directed to different providers. Federal agencies would be required to issue regulations within one year of the law taking effect.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Healthy Competition for Better Care Act
- Introduced:
- March 9, 2026
- Latest action:
- March 9, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.