Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Apr 24, 2025

HR 3006: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the coinsurance amount for certain services furnished in an ambulatory surgical center.

HR 3006 would limit Medicare coinsurance for certain surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Specifically, it prevents patients from paying coinsurance exceeding the annual inpatient hospital deductible for those procedures. If the coinsurance amount would surpass the deductible, the Medicare program must reduce the patient's share to match the deductible and reimburse the ASC for the difference. This change applies to services provided on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries using ASCs for qualifying surgeries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareLimits Medicare coinsurance for ASC surgeries, reducing patient out-of-pocket costs by capping at inpatient deductible level, improving access and financial protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicare

Track

in committee · United States · House Sep 16, 2025

HR 5370: To provide low-income individuals with opportunities to enter and follow a career pathway in the health professions, and for other purposes.

The Pathways to Health Careers Act creates federal grants to help low-income individuals (with family income up to 200% of the Federal poverty level) enter health profession careers. It funds training programs that include adult basic education, career coaching, child care, transportation, and legal assistance for people with arrest or conviction records. The bill specifically supports two demonstration projects: one helping individuals with criminal records enter health careers, and another focused on training doulas and midwives for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Programs must provide structured career pathways to recognized health profession credentials and include support services like case management. The bill requires evaluations to assess effectiveness in addressing workforce shortages and improving participant outcomes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides legal assistance and a dedicated project for individuals with criminal records to enter health careers, directly addressing barriers to reentry and promoting rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides federal grants for low-income individuals to enter health careers through training programs, directly advancing healthcare workforce development and access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds training/support for low-income individuals to enter health careers, advancing employment opportunities for underserved groups.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Workforce Development

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 23, 2025

S 229: DTC Act of 2025

The DTC Act of 2025 requires pharmaceutical companies to disclose the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for a 30-day supply (or typical treatment course) of prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer advertisements. This applies to drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid, excluding those with a WAC under $35 per 30-day supply. The bill mandates clear, conspicuous display of the WAC in ads, along with a note that actual patient costs may vary based on insurance coverage. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes penalties for noncompliance, such as civil fines up to $100,000 per violation. The law aims to increase price transparency for consumers seeing drug ads, particularly affecting patients with high-deductible plans or Medicare beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates transparency in drug pricing for Medicare/Medicaid drugs via WAC disclosure in ads, improving patient cost awareness and aligning with healthcare transparency goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Medicare

Track

in committee · United States · House Dec 18, 2025

HR 6837: To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to ensure that pharmacy benefit managers are considered fiduciaries, and for other purposes.

HR 6837 amends federal law to require pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to act as fiduciaries for employer-sponsored health plans, meaning they must prioritize plan participants' interests. The bill mandates PBMs to disclose how they receive compensation (including rebates or fees) from drug manufacturers or other sources. It also prohibits PBMs from avoiding liability for mistakes by seeking indemnification and clarifies that PBMs cannot be the "responsible fiduciary" for disclosure purposes. These changes apply to group health plans starting 12 months after the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates PBMs to prioritize plan participants' interests and disclose compensation, improving transparency and accountability in prescription drug coverage under employer health plans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · United States · House Sep 18, 2025

HR 5488: Special Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) through fiscal year 2030, extending annual funding of $160 million per year. It directly affects American Indian and Alaska Native communities, which face significantly higher rates of diabetes, by ensuring continued federal support for diabetes prevention and treatment programs. The key provision amends the Public Health Service Act to add $160 million in annual funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with funds remaining available until expended. This reauthorization maintains existing program funding levels without altering eligibility or program structure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReauthorizes $160M annual funding for diabetes programs in Native communities, directly increasing federal appropriations for essential health services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReauthorizes $160M annual funding for diabetes prevention/treatment in AI/AN communities, directly advancing public health services for a high-need population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Tags Tribal Nations

Track

in committee · United States · House Sep 16, 2025

HR 5390: FAMILY Act

The FAMILY Act would establish a national paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides wage replacement benefits for workers needing time off for caregiving or medical reasons. It defines "qualified caregiving" to include caring for a family member with a serious health condition, personal medical needs, or recovery from violence (including domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking). Benefits would be calculated based on earnings, with a minimum monthly benefit of $580 and maximum of $4,000, administered by a new Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Social Security Administration. Eligible individuals would need to have worked for at least 8 quarters in the previous year and file an application with required documentation, while existing state paid leave programs would continue to operate alongside this federal program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides paid leave for medical needs and caregiving, expanding access to healthcare services without income loss for serious health conditions.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes national paid family leave program expanding worker benefits for caregiving/medical needs, directly advancing employment standards and worker protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Paid Leave

Track

passed · United States · Senate Sep 30, 2026

S 3315: Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2026

The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2025 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a cybersecurity incident response plan within one year, including strategies for risk assessment, prevention, detection, and recovery. It mandates new cybersecurity standards for healthcare entities, such as multifactor authentication for systems holding protected health information, encryption requirements, and mandatory audit protocols. The bill also updates breach reporting rules to require public disclosure of corrective actions and security practices considered during investigations, while creating grants to help rural healthcare providers adopt cybersecurity best practices. Additionally, it establishes training programs for healthcare cybersecurity staff and requires HHS to issue guidance on recognizing security practices that may reduce fines for covered entities. These provisions directly affect hospitals, clinics, and health organizations handling protected health information.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates cybersecurity standards for healthcare entities to protect patient data and systems, strengthening healthcare infrastructure without restricting access or funding.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates enhanced cybersecurity standards (MFA, encryption) for healthcare data, directly strengthening digital security protections per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Cybersecurity

Track

in committee · United States · House Nov 20, 2025

HR 6242: Healthy MOM Act

The Healthy MOM Act (HR 6242) would require health insurance plans to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals beginning when pregnancy is reported to the insurer. It mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers cover maternity care, including childbirth and postpartum care, for all dependents regardless of age. The bill would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals and infants to 12 months postpartum (instead of ending at 60 days postpartum) and make this 12-month coverage permanent. These provisions would directly affect pregnant individuals, women with dependent children who are pregnant, and health insurance plans and Medicaid programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates maternity coverage, extends Medicaid postpartum from 60 to 12 months, expands access for pregnant individuals and infants95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Women's Health

Track

in committee · United States · House Sep 9, 2025

HR 5239: Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025

The Endometrial Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand research on endometrial cancer, ensure African-American women are represented in clinical trials proportional to their higher incidence rates, and coordinate with health agencies focusing on minority health and women’s health. It also directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop public education materials about endometrial cancer risk factors, treatments, and disparities, with specific resources targeted to African-American women. The bill authorizes $1 million annually for NIH research and necessary funding for CDC programs from 2026 through 2028. These measures directly affect federal health agencies and aim to address documented disparities in diagnosis and mortality rates among women, particularly African-American women.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirectly expands NIH cancer research, mandates minority health representation in trials, and directs CDC public education - advancing cancer research and health equity within healthcare.95% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · House Dec 16, 2025

HR 6735: Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025

HR 6735, the Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025, requires Medicare to improve access to beneficiary health information for family caregivers. It mandates the Secretary to provide outreach and education about authorizing caregivers to access personal health data through 1-800-MEDICARE, using a standardized CMS-10106 authorization form. The bill requires clear, multilingual information to be included in Medicare notices, on Medicare.gov, and in Medicare Advantage plan communications, along with training for call center staff. It also directs the development of best practices to prevent fraud related to caregiver access and requires feedback opportunities for caregivers. This affects Medicare beneficiaries (Part A/B enrollees), their family caregivers, and Medicare providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates improved Medicare access for caregivers, enabling authorized health data sharing and enhancing patient access to care - directly strengthens healthcare access for beneficiaries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

Track