Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026
Summary
The Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026 aims to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN program by amending the Public Health Service Act. This bill introduces supplemental grants for preventive health services, specifically targeting screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol, along with health education. It allocates $250 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund these expanded services.
Expected Effects
The Act will expand access to preventive health services for women, particularly low-income women, by providing additional funding to the WISEWOMAN program. This expansion includes screenings, health education, and referrals for medical treatment. The goal is to improve early detection and management of heart health issues among women.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to preventive screenings for women.
- Improved health education and awareness.
- Early detection and management of heart health issues.
- Targeted support for low-income women.
- Enhanced follow-up services and referrals.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative overhead in managing the grant program.
- Possible limitations in the scope of services provided.
- Dependence on continued funding appropriations.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources.
- Potential for overlap with existing programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to allocate funds for programs that improve public health under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8). The Act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).