Bill > S721

This bill amends the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration project improving outpatient clinical care for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped. Starting January 1, 2026, the bill enables state Medicaid programs to create health home services specifically for SCD patients, with a unique set of requirements. These state plan amendments must provide dental and vision services to eligible SCD patients, regardless of existing Medicaid service requirements. States with such amendments will be required to submit detailed reports after eight fiscal quarters, focusing on healthcare quality, patient access, and total healthcare expenditures for SCD patients. The bill mandates that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services develop and publicly share best practices for implementing these specialized health home services by June 30, 2026, in consultation with medical specialists and patient advocacy organizations. An eligible individual with SCD is defined as someone who is Medicaid-eligible, has been diagnosed with the disease through genetic testing, and may or may not have previously received health home services. This targeted approach aims to improve comprehensive care and outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/721/all-info