HHS grants would fund local coverage for uninsured workers
In committeeH.R. 8585Latest action
Sponsor: John R. Moolenaar · Representative · MI
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Official title: To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to support community-based coverage entities to carry out a comprehensive coverage program that provides qualifying individuals and small businesses health coverage and integrated health related social need services to small business workers that promote improved health, long-term economic self-sufficiency, employment and retention, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The federal government would fund 3–5 local nonprofits to offer health coverage and support services to low-income small business workers.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to nonprofit community organizations to run local health coverage programs. Those programs would cover doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, and preventive care, with no deductibles and limited co-pays. Participants would also get a personal health coach and connections to services like job training, education, and social support.
Who does it affect?
The programs would serve workers at small businesses whose household income is too high for Medicaid but too low to easily afford private insurance, generally up to four times the federal poverty level. Costs would be shared among the federal government, local hospitals, employers, and the enrolled workers themselves.
Why does it matter?
Without coverage, this group of workers often falls into a gap between public programs and affordable private insurance. The bill aims to address that gap by funding community-run programs that combine health coverage with longer-term support services.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Grants last 4 years
- Starts at $4.8M/year
- Rises to $12M/year by year 3
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.