Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Oct 2020): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6331-6332)
What this bill does
The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020, introduced in the Senate in October 2020, proposes measures to reduce health disparities across various populations. The bill mandates more detailed data collection and reporting on health disparities, aims to increase diversity within the healthcare workforce, and seeks to improve access to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services.
The legislation would affect individuals by modifying eligibility and requirements for programs like Medicare and Medicaid to better serve vulnerable populations, including noncitizens, women, infants, children, and minority groups disproportionately affected by certain diseases. It also includes provisions for mental and behavioral health services and revises health information technology programs.
As an introduced bill from the 116th Congress, S. 4819 has not advanced beyond its initial stage. Its next steps would involve referral to committees, potential hearings, and votes in the Senate, followed by consideration in the House of Representatives if it were to pass the Senate.
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.
Timeline
20 Oct 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6331-6332)
Common questions
- What does S. 4819 do?
- The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020, introduced in the Senate in October 2020, proposes measures to reduce health disparities across various populations. The bill mandates more detailed data collection and reporting on health disparities, aims to increase diversity within the healthcare workforce, and seeks to improve access to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services. The legislation would affect individuals by modifying eligibility and requirements for programs like Medicare and Medicaid to better serve vulnerable populations, including noncitizens, women, infants, children, and minority groups disproportionately affected by certain diseases. It also includes provisions for mental and behavioral health services and revises health information technology programs. As an introduced bill from the 116th Congress, S. 4819 has not advanced beyond its initial stage. Its next steps would involve referral to committees, potential hearings, and votes in the Senate, followed by consideration in the House of Representatives if it were to pass the Senate.
- Has S. 4819 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4819. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4819?
- S. 4819 was sponsored by Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI] (D-HI), with 8 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4819?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6331-6332) (20 Oct 2020).
Related bills in Health
Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Access to Medical Supplies Act
Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
More bills from Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Hawaiian Islands Program, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide grants to upgrade or convert small-capacity cesspools for households in the State of Hawaii.
A resolution expressing support for the recognition of September 27, 2026, to October 3, 2026, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
Protect American Values Act of 2026
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.