Healthcare: Alaska Congressional Delegation

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

S 5258: PREFERRED Screening Act

The PREFERRED Screening Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a seven-year payment model that reimburses healthcare providers for conducting comprehensive breast cancer risk assessments and creating personalized screening plans for Medicare beneficiaries aged 40 to 75. These assessments combine genetic testing, family history, and lifestyle factors to categorize patients by risk level, which then guides specific recommendations for screening frequency, imaging types, and preventive medications. The model prioritizes participation from providers in rural areas, medically underserved communities, and states with high breast cancer mortality rates, while allowing services to be delivered through both in-person visits and remote methods such as mailed genetic testing kits. Throughout the program, the government will evaluate whether this approach changes patient behavior, affects healthcare costs, and improves early detection of breast cancer before deciding if the model should be expanded or made permanent.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5193: Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2026

The Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to networks of organizations that use technology to improve health outcomes. These networks must consist of at least three entities with experience in collaborative learning and capacity building models. Recipients are required to use a shared dataset at the end of the grant period to demonstrate the impact of their work on significant public health issues such as infectious or chronic diseases. Additionally, the act extends the funding period for these grants from 2022 through 2026 to 2027 through 2031.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Public Health

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5012: Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act

The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act authorizes federal grants to help internationally educated health care professionals integrate into the U.S. workforce. These funds will be awarded to groups such as hospitals, universities, and government agencies that partner to provide career support, including licensing assistance, English language training, and mentoring programs. The legislation prioritizes projects that address workforce shortages in rural areas and communities with significant gaps in health care staffing. Recipients must use at least 20 percent of the grant money for system-wide improvements like employer education and career ladders, while the rest can support individual needs such as exam preparation and living expenses. The bill also requires grant recipients to submit annual reports on how many professionals they helped employ and retain.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2026

S 4976: Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2026

This bill establishes the Native Children's Commission Implementation Act of 2026 to improve health, education, and safety outcomes for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and families. It creates several new advisory committees within federal agencies to provide ongoing guidance on issues such as juvenile justice, maternal health, substance abuse, and environmental protection. The legislation also authorizes grants and pilot programs to expand access to mental health services, increase the perinatal workforce, support Native language schools, and provide housing assistance for homeless youth and families. Additionally, it modifies existing laws to allow Tribes greater flexibility in administering nutrition and child care programs while ensuring they receive adequate funding for administrative costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Women's Health

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4844: PFAS Alternatives Act

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8967: Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization

This bill extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program by an additional five years, allowing rural hospitals to continue receiving Medicare payment adjustments designed to help them compete with larger health systems. The legislation amends existing federal laws to change the program's timeline from a 15-year extension to a 20-year extension, ensuring these financial incentives remain in place for a longer period. It also includes specific rules for hospitals that joined the program later, ensuring they receive the same extended benefits during the final years of the new timeframe. The primary effect is to maintain current funding mechanisms for participating rural hospitals without altering the core rules of the demonstration.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicare Telehealth Tags Rural Communities

passed · United States · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SRES 758: A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2026 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2026, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day".

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4416: PHS ACCESS Act

The PHS ACCESS Act allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers to work with Urban Indian organizations to support health department functions. It also changes how these officers are appointed by giving the Secretary more flexibility to grant service credit based on specific needs rather than requiring it automatically. Under the new rules, the Secretary must create clear criteria that prioritize appointees serving in rural areas, regions with workforce shortages, locations with limited healthcare access, or those working with Indian tribes and Urban Indian organizations. Additionally, these criteria will be regularly reviewed to ensure they match current workforce demands.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Public Health Tags Tribal Nations

in committee · United States · Senate May 20, 2026

S 4583: Legalizing Premium Health Care Act of 2026

The Legalizing Premium Health Care Act of 2026 allows Medicare beneficiaries to sign written contracts with doctors or other eligible professionals to receive services at agreed-upon rates that may exceed standard Medicare limits. Under this bill, patients who sign such contracts would be responsible for paying the difference between the contracted amount and what Medicare covers, while also handling their own claims unless they choose to delegate this task to the provider. The legislation prohibits these agreements during medical emergencies or urgent situations and prevents states from setting their own caps on the charges these professionals can bill. Additionally, the act explicitly excludes individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid from entering into these private payment arrangements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Insurance Medicare

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 27, 2026

S 4387: Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act

The Protect Moms From Domestic Violence Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to fund research and grants aimed at understanding how violence and trauma affect the health of pregnant and postpartum individuals. This legislation authorizes $15 million over three years to support state, local, and community organizations in developing culturally relevant programs that address issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, and mental health among birthing persons. Additionally, the bill requires the government to publish guidelines for healthcare providers on routinely screening for intimate partner violence and implementing trauma-informed care plans. The law specifically prioritizes initiatives that serve diverse communities, including Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and LGBTQIA2S+ populations, as well as adolescent mothers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Mental Health Women's Health

All healthcare bills