Provider network adequacy in communities of color

(a) In general Section 1311(c)(1)(B) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(c)(1)(B)), as amended by section 4241(a), is further amended— (1) by inserting (i) after (B); and (2) by adding at the end the following new clauses: (ii) meet such network adequacy standards as the Secretary may establish with regard to— (I) appointment wait time; (II) travel time and distance to health care provider facilities and providers by public and private transit; (III) hours of operation to accommodate individuals who cannot come to provider appointments during standard business hours; (IV) availability of health care options for patients; and (V) other network adequacy standards to ensure that care through these plans is accessible to diverse communities, including individuals with limited English proficiency as defined in section 3400 of such Act; and (iii) provide coverage for services for enrollees through out-of-network providers at no additional cost to the enrollees in cases where in-network providers are unable to comply with the standards established under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) for such services and the out-of-network providers can deliver such services in compliance with such standards;. (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall not apply to plans beginning on or prior to the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026.