Bill Summary
The "Expanded Genetic Screening Act of 2021" is a bill that aims to amend the Social Security Act to include coverage for non-invasive prenatal genetic screening under the Medicaid program. This type of screening, which is provided in various settings such as healthcare facilities or homes, allows pregnant women of all ages to undergo genetic testing without invasive procedures. The bill would add a new subparagraph to the existing section 1905(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, ensuring Medicaid coverage for non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. This legislation aims to make genetic testing more accessible and affordable for pregnant women on Medicaid.
Possible Impacts
1. Increased access to non-invasive prenatal genetic screening: This legislation would allow for coverage of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening under the Medicaid program, making it more accessible for pregnant women of all age groups. This could potentially lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies, as potential genetic conditions could be detected and addressed earlier.
2. Financial burden on taxpayers: Providing coverage for non-invasive prenatal genetic screening under Medicaid could result in increased costs for the program, which is funded by taxpayers. This could potentially lead to higher taxes or cuts in other areas of the program.
3. Controversy surrounding genetic testing: Some people may have ethical or moral concerns about prenatal genetic screening, particularly if it leads to selective abortion based on genetic conditions. This legislation could spark debates and discussions about the ethics of genetic testing and its implications for society.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1439 Introduced in House (IH)]
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117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1439
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage
under the Medicaid program of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 26, 2021
Ms. Speier (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Scanlon,
Ms. Roybal-Allard, and Mr. Cole) introduced the following bill; which
was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage
under the Medicaid program of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Expanded Genetic Screening Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. MEDICAID COVERAGE OF NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL GENETIC SCREENING.
Section 1905(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396d(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking at the end ``and'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) non-invasive prenatal genetic screening for
pregnant women of all age groups (provided in a
facility, a home, or other setting);''.
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