Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9946: Equity in STI Testing Act

The Equity in STI Testing Act requires Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover screening tests for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia without charging beneficiaries any out-of-pocket costs. The bill directly affects patients enrolled in these federal health programs by eliminating copayments and deductibles specifically for these preventive screenings. It also mandates that the Indian Health Service provide these tests to eligible Native Americans at no cost, regardless of whether the services are typically authorized under their purchased or referred care systems. These changes take effect on different timelines depending on the specific program, with some provisions applying immediately upon enactment and others starting in the following calendar year.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free STI screening coverage for Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs, removing out-of-pocket costs to improve patient access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates VA coverage for STI screenings without out-of-pocket costs, directly improving veteran healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare Public Health

Track

in committee · United States · House Sep 10, 2026

HRES 1528: Recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September, 2026, as "National Suicide Prevention Month" as well as September 10, 2026, as "World Suicide Prevention Day".

This House resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem in the United States and expresses support for designating September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10, 2026, as World Suicide Prevention Day. The bill cites data from the CDC, SAMHSA, and the VA to highlight that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, veterans, and during the postpartum period, while also noting the significant economic costs associated with it. It declares suicide prevention a national priority and emphasizes that mental health is as important as physical health. The resolution supports the development of strategies to improve access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services for all communities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill explicitly supports suicide prevention initiatives and recognizes suicide as a public health issue, aligning with mental health protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9959: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act

The Green New Deal for Public Schools Act directs over $700 billion in federal funding to public schools, prioritizing those serving the most vulnerable communities based on CDC social vulnerability rankings. The legislation establishes a new Office of Sustainable Schools and authorizes grants for "healthy green retrofits" that convert school buildings into zero-carbon facilities with clean air, water, and energy systems, while also providing funds to hire additional educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Additionally, the bill mandates increased federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and creates a climate resiliency program that allows schools to function as community centers during natural disasters. All grant recipients must adhere to strict labor standards, including prevailing wage requirements, Buy American provisions, and local hiring goals that prioritize residents of the surrounding community.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs $700B to public schools for green retrofits and hiring educators, explicitly advancing funding and infrastructure.100% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds zero-carbon retrofits and clean energy systems in schools, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and efficiency.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds zero-carbon retrofits and clean energy systems in schools, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds healthy green retrofits for clean air/water and explicitly allocates resources to hire mental health professionals in schools.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Health Air Quality Mental Health

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

S 5244: SUSTAIN 340B Act

The SUSTAIN 340B Act overhauls the federal drug discount program to tighten oversight and prevent fraud by requiring covered entities to register their contract pharmacies and child sites with the Department of Health and Human Services. It establishes a new independent data clearinghouse to track claims and stop duplicate discounts, while also mandating that health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers treat 340B providers on equal footing without imposing discriminatory reimbursement terms. The bill defines strict criteria for what constitutes a valid patient relationship and authorizes a user fee program starting in fiscal year 2031 to fund additional audits and enforcement activities. These provisions directly affect safety-net healthcare providers, drug manufacturers, and insurance companies by increasing transparency requirements and expanding the government's authority to penalize non-compliance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens the 340B drug discount program by preventing fraud and ensuring equal reimbursement for providers, thereby protecting patient access to affordable medications.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5312: PROTECT Act

The PROTECT Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch a new initiative aimed at reducing e-cigarette and tobacco use among youth and young adults. The bill authorizes $100 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to fund research on product usage patterns, health impacts, and cessation behaviors, as well as the development of guidance for healthcare providers and schools. Additionally, it requires the creation of public education campaigns and continued funding for state and local health departments to improve access to quit services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill funds CDC initiatives including guidance for schools and public education campaigns to reduce youth tobacco use, directly supporting educational health programs.65% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds CDC initiatives to reduce youth tobacco use, supports research on health impacts, and develops guidance for healthcare providers.95% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · House Aug 27, 2026

HR 10150: Advancing Botanical Drug Development Act of 2026

The Advancing Botanical Drug Development Act of 2026 extends the market exclusivity period for new FDA-approved botanical drugs from five years to twelve years. This change directly affects pharmaceutical companies and other sponsors that develop plant-based medicines, providing them with a longer window of protection against generic competitors. The bill aims to offset the high costs and unique manufacturing challenges associated with developing these complex therapies by offering stronger financial incentives. By securing this extended exclusivity, the legislation seeks to encourage private investment in research for multi-target treatments of chronic and age-related diseases.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends market exclusivity for botanical drugs to incentivize development of new plant-based medicines, advancing healthcare innovation.75% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5321: HCBS Access Act

The HCBS Access Act would require states to cover home and community-based services (HCBS) as a mandatory benefit under Medicaid, effectively eliminating waiting lists for individuals with disabilities and older adults who need support to live in their communities rather than institutions. To fund this expansion, the bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for these services if states meet specific requirements, such as improving workforce wages, removing access barriers, and establishing infrastructure to support self-directed care models. Additionally, the legislation creates a national technical assistance center and authorizes grants to recruit, train, and retain direct care workers, while also prohibiting states from placing liens on the assets of Medicaid recipients for medical assistance correctly paid.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill mandates Medicaid coverage for home and community-based services, expands access for disabled/elderly individuals, and provides federal funding to eliminate waiting lists.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 4, 2026

S 5231: Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act

The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act removes federal restrictions that currently prevent individuals awaiting trial from accessing certain government health benefits. The bill amends laws governing Medicaid, Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Department of Veterans Affairs services to ensure these programs cover medical care for people in custody while their charges are pending. For children enrolled in CHIP, the legislation also mandates coverage for specific screenings and case management services during the 30 days leading up to their release. These changes take effect shortly after enactment, with the Department of Veterans Affairs provision becoming active immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill expands health coverage for individuals in pretrial custody, directly improving conditions within the criminal justice system and supporting reform.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill explicitly removes restrictions to expand Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and VA coverage for pretrial detainees, directly advancing access to health services.98% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid Mental Health

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5283: Momnibus Act

The Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to address maternal health disparities by expanding access to care, improving data collection, and funding community-based interventions for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Key provisions include extending WIC nutrition benefits for new mothers from six months to two years, establishing a federal task force to coordinate efforts across government agencies, and creating grant programs to support social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, and mental health services. The bill also mandates respectful maternity care training for hospital staff, requires states to restrict the shackling of pregnant individuals in prison to maintain federal funding eligibility, and authorizes significant research funding through the National Institutes of Health to study maternal mortality causes and climate change impacts on pregnancy outcomes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill explicitly expands access to maternal care, extends WIC benefits, funds community interventions, and establishes a federal task force to address health disparities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Women's Health

Track

in committee · United States · House Aug 3, 2026

HRES 1475: Expressing support for the designation of the first week of August as "National Community Health Center Week", and encouraging all Americans to participate by visiting their local community health center and celebrating the important partnership between health centers and the communities they serve.

This resolution expresses support for designating the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week to honor the contributions of these facilities. It encourages all Americans to visit their local health centers during this time to celebrate the partnership between these organizations and the communities they serve. The bill highlights how community health centers provide affordable, comprehensive care to millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while integrating services like dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy support. By recognizing these centers, the resolution aims to raise awareness of their role in improving public health outcomes and supporting local economies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates a week to honor community health centers that provide affordable care, explicitly supporting access and celebrating their vital role.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Prescription Drugs Primary Care

Track