H.R.3409 - Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Population Act of 2025; HEADs UP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3409, also known as the HEADs UP Act of 2025, aims to improve healthcare services for individuals with developmental disabilities by amending the Public Health Service Act. The bill focuses on expanding health center services and the National Health Service Corps to include this population as a special medically underserved group. It authorizes grants to existing health centers to establish or operate new delivery sites providing comprehensive primary health services, including specialized dental care.
Expected Effects
The bill would increase access to healthcare services for individuals with developmental disabilities by including them in the definition of special medically underserved populations. This inclusion would allow health centers to receive grants specifically for providing services to this population. The bill also authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Grants to health centers to establish or expand services for this population.
- Specialized dental care services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Improved health outcomes for a medically underserved population.
- Potential for new healthcare delivery sites focused on this population.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, although the authorized amount is relatively small.
- Potential administrative burden for health centers applying for and managing the grants.
- Possible strain on existing health center resources if demand exceeds capacity.
- Limited scope, focusing only on health centers and not addressing broader systemic issues in healthcare for this population.
- The bill's success depends on the actual appropriation of the authorized funds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting the health and well-being of a vulnerable population. Congress has the power to enact legislation related to public health under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) to execute its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on 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).