The Childhood Disability Benefits Fairness Act changes how Medicaid eligibility is determined for children who receive Social Security child's insurance benefits. Under current rules, these children might be denied Medicaid because their Social Security payments count as income, even though the payments are meant to replace lost wages due to a parent's disability. This bill ensures that children in this situation are treated as if they are receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits instead, which allows them to qualify for Medicaid regardless of their Social Security income. The change applies to all new eligibility decisions made after the law is passed, aiming to provide consistent access to healthcare coverage for disabled children with low family incomes.
Baby Brent's Bill directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and regulate the advertising and marketing of formula designed for premature infants. The legislation requires the agency to create rules that prevent companies from hiding potential health risks or downplaying the differences between breast milk-based supplements and cow-based ones. These regulations would apply to manufacturers and importers of specialized infant formula intended for babies born before 37 weeks or with low birth weight. The bill aims to ensure parents receive clear information about product safety and options while maintaining the ability to seek legal recourse if their infants are harmed.
The MOMMIES Act expands Medicaid and CHIP coverage for low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals by extending continuous benefits for one year after childbirth and mandating full coverage of oral health services. To support these changes, the bill includes maintenance of effort provisions that prevent states from restricting eligibility or reducing benefits for this population, alongside a temporary 100 percent federal funding match for states that increase spending on these services. Additionally, the legislation establishes a five-year demonstration project to fund maternity care home models that integrate medical and social support services, while also requiring studies and guidance on improving access to doula services and telehealth for maternity care.
The Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states within 12 months of enactment. This guidance will outline strategies to improve the education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder care providers participating in Medicaid and CHIP programs. A specific focus of these strategies is to enhance the capacity of the workforce in rural and underserved areas. The act also specifies that the guidance should explore how states can use existing federal waivers and authorities to achieve these workforce goals.
The Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2026 establishes a federal program to eliminate hepatitis C by creating a subscription model that allows the government to purchase antiviral drugs directly from manufacturers and distribute them at no cost to specific patient groups. These groups include individuals in Medicaid or CHIP programs, those without health insurance, patients in correctional facilities, and those receiving care through the Indian Health Service. The bill also expands Medicare coverage by removing deductibles and copayments for hepatitis C treatments between 2028 and 2032. To support these efforts, the legislation authorizes funding for state grants to improve screening and treatment access, mandates the creation of a national strategy and performance dashboard, and requires coordination with various federal agencies and stakeholders.
