Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020
Latest action (28 Apr 2020): Introduced
What this bill does
The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 is a broad bill aimed at reducing health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations. It would expand collection and reporting of health data by race, ethnicity, language, and other factors; require culturally and linguistically appropriate health services; promote diversity in the health care workforce; and expand health coverage and access, including changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act related to citizenship documentation, coverage in U.S. territories, and services for Native Hawaiian and Indian health programs. It also addresses maternal and child health, mental health, and diseases disproportionately affecting minority communities such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and kidney disease, along with health information technology, nondiscrimination protections, and social determinants of health such as environmental conditions and gun violence.
The bill would primarily affect federal health agencies (such as HHS, CDC, and CMS), Medicaid and Medicare programs, health care providers, medical and public health schools, and minority-serving institutions. Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups, immigrants, rural residents, Native Hawaiians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and other underserved populations would be affected by expanded data collection, new grant programs, workforce initiatives, and coverage changes intended to reduce disparities in access and outcomes.
The bill was introduced on April 28, 2020, by Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García and referred to multiple House committees, including Energy and Commerce and several others with relevant jurisdiction. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress. According to the Congressional Research Service, some provisions of this bill were later incorporated into other legislation. As an introduced bill that did not advance, it would need to be reintroduced or its provisions included in another bill to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities.
For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity, and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care.
The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to noncitizens; maternal, infant, and child health; mental and behavioral health; and specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDs, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities; (2) establishes an Office of Health Disparities within HHS, as well as civil rights compliance offices within HHS agencies; and (3) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health.
The Government Accountability Office must report on health workforce diversity and other specified issues related to health care and health disparities.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6637 do?
- The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 is a broad bill aimed at reducing health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations. It would expand collection and reporting of health data by race, ethnicity, language, and other factors; require culturally and linguistically appropriate health services; promote diversity in the health care workforce; and expand health coverage and access, including changes to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act related to citizenship documentation, coverage in U.S. territories, and services for Native Hawaiian and Indian health programs. It also addresses maternal and child health, mental health, and diseases disproportionately affecting minority communities such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and kidney disease, along with health information technology, nondiscrimination protections, and social determinants of health such as environmental conditions and gun violence. The bill would primarily affect federal health agencies (such as HHS, CDC, and CMS), Medicaid and Medicare programs, health care providers, medical and public health schools, and minority-serving institutions. Patients from racial and ethnic minority groups, immigrants, rural residents, Native Hawaiians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and other underserved populations would be affected by expanded data collection, new grant programs, workforce initiatives, and coverage changes intended to reduce disparities in access and outcomes. The bill was introduced on April 28, 2020, by Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García and referred to multiple House committees, including Energy and Commerce and several others with relevant jurisdiction. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress. According to the Congressional Research Service, some provisions of this bill were later incorporated into other legislation. As an introduced bill that did not advance, it would need to be reintroduced or its provisions included in another bill to become law.
- Has H.R. 6637 become law?
- Not yet. As of 28 Apr 2020, H.R. 6637 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6637?
- H.R. 6637 was sponsored by Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García [D-IL4] (Democrat-IL), with 106 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6637?
- Introduced (28 Apr 2020).
Related bills in Health
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2026, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Recognizing the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment.
Community Health Worker Access Act
A resolution supporting the designation of October 2026 as “Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month” to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.