Rep. Judy Chu

Maddy summaryHR 7641, the Justice for Patients Act, prohibits health insurance plans and issuers from requiring patients to use pre-dispute arbitration or blocking class-action lawsuits for coverage-related claims. It directly affects all patients with group or individual health insurance plans and the insurance companies offering those plans. The bill bans two specific contract terms: mandatory arbitration clauses for health coverage disputes and limitations on class actions for plan administration issues. If enacted, these provisions would be unenforceable under federal law, ensuring patients retain their right to pursue legal action in court.

Maddy summaryThe Community Housing Act of 2024 significantly increases federal investment in affordable housing through major funding boosts, including $44.5 billion for the Housing Trust Fund and $1.5 billion for the Capital Magnet Fund over the next decade. It repeals the Faircloth amendment, which had limited public housing construction since 1992, allowing public housing authorities to build new units without the previous cap. The bill establishes a permanent emergency rental assistance program providing $3 billion annually through 2029 to help low-income households with rent payments and creates the Unlocking Possibilities program to fund local efforts to streamline housing regulations and reduce zoning barriers. These provisions directly affect low- and moderate-income households, community land trusts, and rural communities facing housing insecurity and affordability challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare to provide clear outreach and education so Medicare beneficiaries (enrolled in Part A, Part B, or Medicare Advantage plans) can authorize family caregivers to access their health information via 1-800-MEDICARE. It mandates the inclusion of a specific authorization form (CMS-10106) in Medicare notices and on Medicare.gov, along with training for call center staff. The Secretary must also share best practices to prevent fraud related to caregiver access and make materials available in non-English languages. It directly affects beneficiaries, their family caregivers, healthcare providers, and Medicare call center operators.

Maddy summaryHR 7119, the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act, prohibits nursing homes and providers of home health or community-based care from requiring residents or patients to sign arbitration agreements before any dispute arises. It directly affects residents of skilled nursing facilities (covered under Medicare) and individuals receiving home health or nursing care (covered under Medicaid), preventing facilities from enforcing such agreements for current or former patients. The key provision bans the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements entirely, making them invalid and unenforceable, and ensures courts - not arbitrators - decide disputes related to these agreements. The bill applies to all service providers, including their employees and affiliates, and takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 7010 would allow states to extend foster care support until age 21 for eligible youth. It amends the Social Security Act to let states include youth aged 18-21 in foster care if they were in care before age 16 under adoption or kinship guardianship agreements. States must permit youth who meet these criteria to voluntarily re-enter foster care if they left it after age 18. The bill directly affects foster youth transitioning from care, aiming to provide continued support through age 21.

Maddy summaryHR 7017 adjusts the calculation for the health care insurance tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code. It allows taxpayers to reduce their tax credit amount by the Medicare premiums paid by household members (including themselves) for Medicare Parts A, B, C, or D, or Medicare supplemental coverage. This change directly affects households where members pay Medicare premiums and qualify for the tax credit. The adjustment applies to coverage months starting after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThe Nutrition CARE Act of 2024 expands Medicare Part B coverage to include medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries diagnosed with eating disorders. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders - particularly an estimated 420,500-560,700 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color seniors - by requiring coverage for 13 hours of initial care (including assessment) and 4 hours annually for ongoing management. The bill amends Medicare law to specify that these services must be provided by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals following referrals from physicians or psychologists. Coverage applies to all eating disorders as defined by the DSM-5, addressing a gap where Medicare previously excluded this critical treatment component. This policy change aims to improve access to evidence-based care for a condition linked to high mortality and significant healthcare costs.

Maddy summaryHR 6790 establishes National Institutes of Health centers to advance research, early detection, and public awareness of rare kidney diseases, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. It mandates a federal study on genetic testing barriers, treatment patterns, and public awareness for rare kidney diseases affecting disproportionately impacted populations, including barriers to insurance coverage and access to specialists. The bill also funds nephrology training programs to increase specialists serving these communities and requires experiments to delay or prevent the need for dialysis and transplants. Total funding of $7 million is authorized for fiscal years 2024-2028 to support these research, education, and early intervention efforts.

Maddy summaryThe PEERS Act of 2023 (HR 6748) would add Medicare coverage for "peer support services" starting January 1, 2025. These services, provided by certified specialists who have recovered from mental health or substance use conditions, offer emotional, informational, and community support to Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with mental disorders or substance use disorders. The bill establishes payment rates (80% of a fee schedule) for community mental health centers and certified community behavioral health clinics offering these services and modifies Medicare exclusions to allow coverage. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with these diagnoses, certified peer support specialists, and eligible healthcare providers like Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy MOM Act (HR 6716) would require health insurance plans to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals beginning when pregnancy is reported to the insurer. It would mandate that group health plans cover maternity care for all dependents, including young women who might otherwise lack coverage due to plan exclusions. The bill would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals and infants to a full 12 months postpartum, rather than the current 60-day period. These provisions aim to improve access to comprehensive maternity care, which the bill states could prevent 3 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths by addressing coverage gaps that disproportionately affect women of color.