Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Apr 4, 2025

HR 2229: No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to proactively reschedule mental health appointments for enrolled veterans who cancel them. Specifically, if a veteran cancels a mental health appointment (defined as a veteran enrolled in the VA's standard patient system under 38 U.S.C. §1705(a)), the VA must contact them by phone at least twice to reschedule - first immediately, and then if not rescheduled on the first call. The key mechanism is mandating two telephone attempts to reconnect veterans who cancel, aiming to prevent gaps in care. This directly affects veterans using VA mental health services who cancel appointments, ensuring they receive follow-up support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates VA to proactively reschedule mental health appointments, improving access to care for veterans under VA mental health services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates VA to proactively reschedule canceled mental health appointments, improving veterans' healthcare access and continuity of care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 10, 2025

S 527: Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025

This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other intermediaries affect prescription drug prices and competition. Specifically, the FTC must report within one year on whether PBMs charge different prices to pharmacies, steer patients toward pharmacies they own, use pharmacy data for profit, or design formularies to favor expensive drugs. The bill also mandates an interim report within six months and a separate study on sole-source drug manufacturers and enforcement challenges. It does not directly change drug prices or create new regulations, but instead seeks to gather data to inform potential future policy actions. The study focuses on transparency and competition in the pharmaceutical supply chain, with no immediate price-reducing mechanisms.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates FTC study on PBMs' pricing practices to improve drug competition and affordability, supporting healthcare access and cost reduction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · United States · House Mar 6, 2025

HR 1966: Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025

This bill provides federal grants to public or nonprofit health care providers serving minority, low-income, or medically underserved communities to expand maternal and infant health services. It specifically funds prenatal, postnatal, and postpartum care while requiring grantees to offer culturally appropriate services and limit administrative costs to 10% of grant funds. Priority is given to organizations led by or located within the communities they serve, aiming to reduce racial and economic disparities in care access and health outcomes. The funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026-2030, with grantees required to coordinate with other federal maternal health programs to avoid duplication.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides federal grants for maternal health services, increasing government spending on public health programs within budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides federal grants to expand maternal/infant health services in underserved communities, increasing healthcare funding and access while reducing disparities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Women's Health

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 13, 2025

S 600: Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act

The Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act amends the Social Security Act to provide enhanced pre- and post-adoption support services for adopted children and their families. It establishes a $20 million annual federal grant program (2026-2029) to fund mental health services, counseling, peer support groups, and crisis intervention for adopted children under 21. The bill requires states to collect detailed data on adoption disruptions and dissolutions to better understand causes and develop prevention strategies. These provisions directly affect adopted children, their adoptive families, and state child welfare agencies that administer adoption services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $20M annually for mental health services, counseling, and crisis intervention for adopted children under 21, directly supporting healthcare access and mental health services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Feb 5, 2026

HR 7407: Prohibiting Tianeptine and Other Dangerous Products Act of 2026

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit specific dietary supplement practices. It directly affects supplement manufacturers and sellers by banning products marketed as dietary supplements that don't meet the legal definition (section 201(ff)) and prohibiting supplements prepared with help from individuals debarred under other laws. Key mechanisms include adding new prohibited acts (sections 301(jjj) and 301(kkk)) to strengthen import restrictions and seizure authorities for violative products. The law aims to enhance FDA enforcement against unsafe supplement practices without specifying outcomes or advocating for policy positions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits dangerous supplements to protect public health, aligning with healthcare safety regulations under FD&C Act amendments.92% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Jan 15, 2026

HR 7118: Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026

HR 7118, the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026, requires Medicaid to cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing for Medicaid-eligible children with specific medical needs, including genetic disorders, rare diseases, congenital anomalies, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities. It mandates that this testing be ordered as a first-tier test by a physician and paid separately, not bundled with other services. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene stakeholders, conduct outreach to raise awareness, and publish a report within two years detailing state payment rates and usage data. Additionally, it directs a Comptroller General report assessing implementation barriers, workforce challenges, and payment alignment with market costs. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates Medicaid funding for genomic testing, increasing government spending on healthcare services for eligible children.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid coverage for genomic testing, expanding access to genetic services for eligible children with medical needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Children's Health Medicaid

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in committee · United States · House Nov 20, 2025

HR 6211: Medical Professional Access Act

HR 6211, the Medical Professional Access Act, allows health care professionals working under federal contracts to provide services across state lines during federally declared emergencies without needing separate state licenses. It directly affects doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care workers who serve under federal agreements in response to crises like natural disasters or pandemics. The key provision overrides state licensing laws when services are provided during emergencies certified by the President, HHS Secretary, or other federal authorities, as long as the care stays within the scope of the federal contract. This streamlines access to medical help in urgent situations without requiring professionals to navigate varying state licensing rules. The bill does not change routine practice or apply outside of federally declared emergency contexts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves state licensing barriers for medical professionals during emergencies, directly improving access to healthcare services in crisis situations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Tags Licensing

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in committee · United States · House May 20, 2026

HR 5203: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

HR 5203 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its policies for managing acute sexual assault cases involving veterans within 72 hours of the incident at VA facilities. It mandates that VA medical facilities must have access to certified sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFE/SANE providers), maintain rape kits, offer preventive care for STIs and pregnancy, and provide mental health referrals. The bill also requires annual staff training on these protocols and clear guidelines for VA police regarding reporting to local law enforcement while protecting veteran confidentiality. This directly affects veterans seeking care at VA facilities for recent sexual assault, ensuring standardized, trauma-informed care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates VA to provide STI/pregnancy prevention, mental health referrals, and access to forensic examiners for sexual assault victims, advancing healthcare services for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates VA to improve acute sexual assault response protocols including forensic exams, preventive care, and mental health referrals for veterans - directly enhancing healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Mar 28, 2025

HR 1906: Rural Wellness Act

HR 1906, the Rural Wellness Act, extends a deadline for rural development funding to 2029 and requires that 17% of funds prioritize projects offering behavioral and mental health services like prevention, treatment, and recovery. It directs grant administrators to give preference to rural community facilities providing these services and employing staff trained in mental health care. The law applies to programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Rural Development Act of 1972. This affects rural communities seeking health facility grants and changes how funding is allocated to address mental health needs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires 17% of rural development funds to prioritize behavioral/mental health services (prevention, treatment, recovery) and directs preference to facilities offering these services, directly expanding access to mental healthcare in rural areas.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Telehealth Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House Dec 16, 2025

HR 6765: Safe Passages Act of 2025

HR 6765, the Safe Passages Act of 2025, establishes a global program to reduce maternal and child mortality in low- and lower-middle-income countries by funding life-affirming health interventions. The bill directs $400 million annually to train local providers (including midwives and community health workers) in preventing/treating leading causes of maternal death (like hemorrhage and preeclampsia), provide medical resources, support father involvement, and deliver nutrition care during the first 1,000 days of life. It explicitly prohibits funding for abortion services and requires programs to promote natural fertility awareness methods and "life-affirming care" aligned with respect for life from conception. The Act mandates annual reporting on training outcomes, facility upgrades, mortality data comparisons, and compliance with its restrictions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $400M annually for maternal/child health interventions, training providers (midwives), and treating preventable causes of death like hemorrhage, directly advancing healthcare access and outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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