Bill > HR5417

This bill establishes a Health Equity Innovation Grant Program that would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to faith-based or community-based organizations working in medically underserved areas to address health inequities. The grants can be used to support a range of activities, including funding medical services, preventive screenings, expanding healthcare access, supporting community health workers and peer support specialists, and addressing social determinants of health. To be eligible, organizations must have demonstrated ability to address chronic health disparities and be located in areas with significant healthcare challenges. The program prioritizes organizations that operated health workforce or healthcare access programs during a public health emergency. The bill provides increasing funding from $50 million in fiscal year 2026 to $70 million in fiscal year 2029, with a maximum of 5% of funds allowed for administrative costs. Importantly, the bill aims to support trusted community messengers with lived experiences who can help connect underserved populations to healthcare services, recognizing that cultural and linguistic appropriateness is crucial in addressing health disparities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5417/all-info