Bills · HR 5178
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5178Health
Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act
INTRO SEP 8· LAST ACTION SEP 8
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
34
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because sickle cell disease is a lifelong, complex condition that often requires care from many different specialists. Patients frequently struggle to coordinate their appointments, manage various symptoms, and access all necessary services, leading to worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs from frequent emergency room visits.
By allowing states to create dedicated "health homes," the bill aims to streamline care, improve patient health, and ensure that individuals with sickle cell disease receive holistic support. The requirement for dental and vision services is particularly significant, as these are often overlooked but critical aspects of health that can be worsened by sickle cell disease. If this bill becomes law, more comprehensive, integrated care could be available to thousands of Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease; if it doesn't, these individuals would continue to navigate fragmented care systems.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows state Medicaid programs to establish "health homes" specifically for individuals with sickle cell disease.
This provision creates a new avenue for coordinated, patient-centered care for a vulnerable population with complex health needs.
PROVISION 02
Requires states that set up these specialized health homes to provide dental and vision services to enrolled individuals with sickle cell disease.
This ensures comprehensive care beyond standard medical treatment, addressing critical health needs often neglected or not covered by existing Medicaid benefits.
PROVISION 03
Mandates states with sickle cell disease-focused health homes to submit reports on the quality of care, access to care, and total healthcare expenditures.
These reports will help evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and identify best practices for improving care for individuals with sickle cell disease.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish best practices for designing and implementing sickle cell disease health homes by June 30, 2026.
This provides guidance and standards for states, ensuring programs are based on clinical evidence and patient needs.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 34
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 18%
DEM 31 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSSEP 8
Introduced in House
SEP 8
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5178
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 8, 2025
Last actionSep 8, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 8, 2025
House BillHR 5178Health
Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act
INTRODUCED SEP 8, 2025· LAST ACTION SEP 8, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
34
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
