This resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The bill aims to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress among military members, veterans, and their families while working to reduce the stigma often associated with the condition. By highlighting the importance of education and treatment, the resolution encourages government agencies and the medical community to continue their efforts in addressing the mental health challenges faced by those who have served.
The Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026 requires schools to display clear and visible signage promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in various locations such as entrances, common areas, restrooms, and digital bulletin boards. This legislation mandates that the signage include the lifeline phone number, instructions on how to access support via call, text, or chat, and information stating that the service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate a public awareness campaign involving schools and to update existing signage to meet these new requirements by 2027. These changes directly affect educational institutions by establishing specific standards for how and where suicide prevention resources must be communicated to students.
The IMPACT to Save Moms Act directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to run a five-year demonstration project from 2027 to 2031, allowing states to test new payment models for maternity care under Medicaid and state child health plans. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a specific focus on reducing disparities among groups that experience higher rates of maternal mortality and severe complications. To achieve these goals, the project requires states to consider alternative payment structures that account for pregnancy risk levels, include diverse care teams with training on bias, and address social factors affecting health. The bill also mandates that the federal government evaluate the project's impact on health outcomes and spending, and submit a final report to Congress with recommendations on whether to expand the program nationwide.
The Dietary Supplements Access Act allows individuals to use funds from specific tax-advantaged health accounts to purchase dietary supplements without paying income taxes on those withdrawals. This legislation directly affects holders of Health Savings Accounts, Archer Medical Savings Accounts, and Health Flexible Spending Arrangements by permitting up to $500 per year in tax-free spending on these products, with a lower limit of $250 for married couples filing separately. The bill explicitly defines dietary supplements according to federal law but excludes energy drinks, soft drinks, and sodas from this benefit. These tax advantages will only become effective for expenses incurred after December 31, 2025.
The Healthcare Freedom and Fairness Act allows groups of individuals to form "health marketplace pools" that are legally treated as employers for the purpose of offering group health insurance. These pools must be established in good faith without discriminating against members based on their health status and must offer the same coverage options to all participants. The bill permits these pools to provide plans that include prescription drugs or, in some cases, only drug coverage, while also allowing them to offer administrative services like billing and enrollment. By redefining these pools as employers under existing federal law, the legislation aims to facilitate the creation of private health insurance arrangements that operate outside traditional employer-employee relationships.
The PREEMPT Act directs the federal government to issue guidance and provide technical assistance to states regarding Medicaid coverage for preeclampsia screening and detection tests. This legislation aims to improve outcomes for pregnant women by promoting early detection and management of the condition, which is a leading cause of maternal and fetal deaths. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to outline best practices and determine which advanced biomarker tests can be covered under state Medicaid plans. The bill does not mandate that states cover these tests but instead establishes a framework for federal support to help states evaluate and implement such coverage.
The 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program to help crisis centers provide follow-up care to individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. These grants, totaling $30 million for fiscal year 2026, will fund activities such as well-being check-ins, outreach to ensure continued support, and referrals to appropriate care, all of which require the individual's informed consent. The bill also directs the Federal Communications Commission to create rules ensuring that all mobile phone calls and texts are routed to 9-8-8, including those from devices without a service plan. Additionally, the legislation updates federal communications laws to officially include 9-8-8 alongside 9-1-1 as a dialable number on multi-line telephone systems.
The Minority Fellowship Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends federal funding for the Minority Fellowship Program through fiscal year 2032. This legislation directly supports the National Institutes of Health by allocating $27 million annually to the program for each of the five covered years. The bill amends existing laws to ensure continued financial resources for initiatives that train and support minority health professionals. By reauthorizing these funds, the act maintains the program's ability to operate without interruption during the specified period.
The MEDIC Careers Act of 2026 aims to help military medics transition into civilian healthcare jobs by requiring the Department of Defense to identify barriers and develop a plan for better credential recognition and training. Under the bill, the Secretary of Defense must work with federal agencies and states to address issues like standardized credentials, accelerated training programs, and access to information about state licensing requirements. Additionally, the act creates a pilot program that provides grants to healthcare providers in rural and underserved areas to hire, train, and retain separating service members. These grants, capped at $600,000 initially, can be used for hiring assistance, licensing support, and coordination with transition services, with funding authorized through fiscal year 2031.
The SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 expands federal protections for individuals affected by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence. The bill mandates that employers provide victims with up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address safety needs such as seeking legal help, relocating, or obtaining medical care. It also prohibits insurers from discriminating against victims by denying coverage, raising premiums, or terminating policies based on their status as survivors, while banning the disclosure of their personal information without consent. Additionally, the legislation allows victims to receive unemployment compensation if they leave their jobs due to violence and requires employers to make reasonable workplace accommodations to ensure their safety.
