Healthcare (Medicaid)

in committee · United States · House Feb 6, 2025

HR 1096: HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025

This bill, the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025 (HR 1096), requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover the first three primary care visits annually without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays), starting in 2026. It defines "primary care visit" to explicitly include mental health services, ensuring beneficiaries can access initial mental and physical health care without financial barriers. The provision applies to all Medicare Part B beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage enrollees, and Medicaid recipients nationwide. This policy change directly affects millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals who rely on these programs for healthcare.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates no-cost primary care visits including mental health under Medicare/Medicaid, removing financial barriers for initial physical and mental health access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands healthcare coverage to include mental health services under Medicare/Medicaid, which benefits veterans who rely on these programs for healthcare access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Primary Care

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in committee · United States · House Jun 5, 2025

HR 3789: DTC Act of 2025

The DTC Act of 2025 requires pharmaceutical companies to include a drug's list price (for a 30-day supply) in direct-to-consumer television and digital ads for prescription drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid. It applies to ads for drugs costing $35 or more per 30-day supply, exempting lower-cost medications. Manufacturers must disclose the list price clearly by July 1, 2026, with penalties of up to $100,000 per violation for noncompliance. The bill aims to provide consumers with upfront pricing information to help them compare costs before filling prescriptions, particularly affecting drugs commonly advertised to Medicare beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires transparent drug pricing in ads for Medicare/Medicaid drugs, empowering consumers to make informed healthcare cost decisions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare Prescription Drugs

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2025

S 2275: Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2025

This bill authorizes $30 million annually (2026-2030) for expanded research on uterine fibroids at the National Institutes of Health, addressing current underfunding (only $17 million in 2019). It requires the creation of a Medicaid data database to track treatment access and costs for fibroid patients, with a report to Congress within two years. The bill also mandates public education campaigns about fibroid awareness, prevalence (especially among minority women), and non-hysterectomy treatment options. These provisions directly affect women with fibroids - particularly Black women who experience higher incidence, severity, and hospitalization rates - by aiming to improve research, data collection, and patient information.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds NIH research, creates Medicaid data database for access tracking, and mandates public education on fibroids - directly advancing healthcare research and patient access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Women's Health

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in committee · United States · House Jun 27, 2025

HR 4244: Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act

HR 4244 prohibits Medicaid from covering conversion therapy, defined as any paid practice attempting to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This applies to all Medicaid enrollees and providers starting in the first quarter after the law takes effect. The bill explicitly excludes supportive services like gender transition assistance or counseling focused on acceptance and coping. It directly affects Medicaid-funded healthcare providers who offer conversion therapy and enrollees who might otherwise access such services through Medicaid.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits Medicaid funding for conversion therapy (harmful practice), protecting patient rights and supporting mental health services by excluding it from coverage while preserving legitimate care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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in committee · United States · House Jun 26, 2025

HR 4206: CONNECT for Health Act of 2025

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions that limited where patients could receive care, expanding the types of health care providers who can offer telehealth services, and eliminating the requirement for an in-person visit before receiving telemental health services. The bill includes specific provisions to support telehealth use for Native American health facilities, rural health clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. It requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to collect and publish data on telehealth usage and impacts, and to develop resources to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Program integrity measures are added to monitor telehealth billing practices and prevent fraud while maintaining coverage for telehealth services during public health emergencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions, allowing more providers, and eliminating pre-visit requirements for telemental health, improving access for rural and underserved communities.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands telehealth access by removing geographic restrictions and supporting rural/underserved areas, advancing technology-enabled healthcare delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare Telehealth

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in committee · United States · Senate Nov 19, 2025

S 3221: Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act

Senate Bill 3221, the Expanding Health Care Options for First Responders Act, creates a Medicare buy-in program for retired or disabled first responders aged 50 to 64. Eligible individuals - including law enforcement officers, certain public safety employees, and federal firefighters - can enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, and D at a premium calculated based on average Medicare costs for this group. The coverage counts as "minimum essential coverage" under the Affordable Care Act, making enrollees eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies. The bill also establishes an oversight board and provides federal grants (2027-2029) to support outreach and enrollment for this specific population.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates Medicare buy-in program expanding health coverage for first responders, ensuring minimum essential coverage under ACA, directly advancing access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands health care benefits for retired/disabled first responders, enhancing post-employment coverage for a high-risk workforce group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Medicare Tags Public Safety

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 2076: HCBS Relief Act of 2025

The HCBS Relief Act of 2025 increases federal funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) by 10 percentage points (capped at 95%) for participating states during fiscal years 2026-2027. It directly affects states that submit approved applications, Medicaid beneficiaries receiving HCBS, and home health workers by requiring states to use funds to raise wages/benefits for HCBS workers, reduce waiting lists, support family caregivers, and improve service quality. Key provisions mandate that states detail specific activities (like wage increases, paid leave, and equipment purchases) in applications, ensure funds supplement rather than replace state spending, and report on outcomes by 2029. The bill aims to strengthen HCBS access and workforce stability without changing Medicaid eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases federal Medicaid HCBS funding by 10% (capped at 95%), mandating states use funds for worker wages, reduced waitlists, and service quality. Directly boosts public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases Medicaid HCBS funding by 10% (capped at 95%) requiring states to raise worker wages, reduce waitlists, and improve services - directly advancing healthcare access and quality.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires states to use funds to raise wages/benefits for HCBS workers, directly advancing worker compensation under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Paid Leave

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 2071: Disaster Relief Medicaid Act

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act creates a new Medicaid program for survivors of major disasters declared after January 1, 2027. It provides simplified eligibility during a two-year relief coverage period (starting when the disaster is declared), allowing people in affected areas to access medical assistance without meeting standard income requirements. The law includes provisions for continuous eligibility, mental health services, home and community-based care, and 100% federal funding for these services. States must provide streamlined applications and issue special Medicaid cards valid for the entire relief period. It also includes specific protections for children born to survivors and pregnant individuals during the disaster period.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new Medicaid program for disaster survivors with simplified eligibility, mental health services, and 100% federal funding, expanding healthcare access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Medicare Tags Emergency Management

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 3690: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2026

This bill removes age restrictions preventing working adults with disabilities from accessing Medicaid buy-in programs. It modifies the Social Security Act to eliminate the "less than 65" requirement, allowing individuals aged 16 and older who earn above Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits but would otherwise qualify for SSI to enroll in Medicaid buy-in programs. The key change ensures states can provide Medicaid coverage to this group without age barriers, directly affecting working adults with disabilities who previously faced eligibility cutoffs at age 65. The bill also provides a transition period for states already offering similar programs, requiring no changes before January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves age barrier for Medicaid buy-in, expanding coverage for working adults with disabilities, directly advancing healthcare access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands Medicaid access for working adults with disabilities, protecting worker benefits and supporting employment opportunities for this vulnerable workforce segment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Tags People with Disabilities

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in committee · United States · Senate May 12, 2025

S 1720: Due Process Continuity of Care Act

Due Process Continuity of Care Act This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state. The bill also provides for state planning grants to support the provision of such benefits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides Medicaid access for pretrial detainees, supporting rehabilitation continuity and reducing recidivism risks in criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid access to pretrial detainees, enabling state-option coverage and providing grants to support continuity of care, directly advancing health coverage access for a vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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