Direct Reimbursement to Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

This article discusses H.R. 382: The Federal Employees Health Care Freedom of Choice Act, first introduced to Congress in 1987. This act would directly reimburse nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, family and marriage therapists, and chiropractors under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Few third-party payers currently directly reimburse nurse practitioners. Passage of H.R. 382 is important because it would increase health care availability, make provisions for cost-effective care and increase provider choice. Direct reimbursement to nurse practitioners would not increase health insurance premiums, according to the Office of Personnel Management and the Congressional Budget Office. Suggested strategies for nurse practitioners to lobby for the bill are discussed.