Bill Summary
The "Women's Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026" is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN program. This program focuses on improving women's heart health through supplemental grants that will fund additional preventive health services. Specifically, the act allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC, to award grants for projects that provide screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol, health education, and appropriate referrals for medical treatment.
Eligible recipients for these services include women already receiving support under the existing program, as well as low-income women who meet certain criteria set by the Secretary. The legislation also outlines that these services must be provided by designated entities, including those already involved in breast and cervical cancer screenings. To support these initiatives, the act authorizes $250 million in funding for fiscal years 2027 to 2031. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance preventive health measures and support for women's cardiovascular health.
Possible Impacts
The "Women's Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026," which reauthorizes the WISEWOMAN program, can affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Access to Preventive Health Services**: With the reauthorization of the WISEWOMAN program, women, particularly those who are low-income, will gain increased access to essential screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can lead to early detection of cardiovascular issues, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the long-term costs associated with untreated health conditions.
2. **Enhanced Health Education and Awareness**: The act emphasizes health education as part of the supplemental grants. This focus can empower women with knowledge about heart health, lifestyle changes, and prevention strategies. As a result, individuals may adopt healthier behaviors, leading to a reduction in heart disease risk and promoting overall wellness in communities.
3. **Coordinated Referrals and Follow-Up Care**: The legislation mandates the provision of appropriate referrals for medical treatment and follow-up services for women receiving screenings. This coordination can ensure that women who require further medical attention receive timely care, which is crucial for effective management of health issues and can lead to better health outcomes for women in vulnerable populations.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7417 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7417
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN
program.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 9, 2026
Mrs. Beatty (for herself, Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Ms. DeLauro, Mr.
Ciscomani, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Lois Frankel of
Florida, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mrs. Dingell, Mrs. Cherfilus-
McCormick, and Ms. Brown) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN
program.
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 ``Women's Heart Health Expansion Act
of 2026''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF WISEWOMAN PROGRAM.
Section 1509 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300n-4a)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1509. SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS FOR ADDITIONAL PREVENTIVE HEALTH
SERVICES.
``(a) Screening and Referral Projects.--The Secretary, acting
through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
may award supplemental grants to recipients of grants under section
1501 to carry out projects for the purposes of--
``(1) providing preventive health services in addition to
the services authorized in such section, including--
``(A) screenings regarding blood pressure and
cholesterol; and
``(B) health education;
``(2) providing appropriate referrals for medical treatment
of women receiving services pursuant to paragraph (1) and
ensuring, to the extent practicable, the provision of
appropriate follow-up services; and
``(3) evaluating activities conducted under paragraphs (1)
and (2) through appropriate surveillance or program-monitoring
activities.
``(b) Eligibility for Services.--Women eligible for services
pursuant to a grant under subsection (a) shall include--
``(1) women receiving services pursuant to a grant made
under section 1501; and
``(2) other women who are low-income and meet such
eligibility criteria as the Secretary may specify.
``(c) Authorized Providers.--Services provided pursuant to a grant
under subsection (a) shall be provided by--
``(1) an entity screening women for breast and cervical
cancer pursuant to a grant under section 1501; or
``(2) other entities that the grant recipient may
designate, subject to the approval of such designation by the
Secretary.
``(d) Funding.--To carry out this section, there is authorized to
be appropriated $250,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2027
through 2031.''.
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