Patient Navigation Assistance Act
Latest action (10 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Patient Navigation Assistance Act would amend Medicaid law (title XIX of the Social Security Act) to require state Medicaid programs to reimburse "eligible entities" for patient navigator services provided to Medicaid-eligible individuals. Patient navigators are defined as individuals employed by health care or community-based organizations who help patients access medical, social, financial, or other needed services; the bill sets education, licensing, certification, or training requirements they must meet, with a temporary allowance for Secretary-approved training programs that expires three years after the provision takes effect. These services would also count as "medical assistance" for purposes of federal matching funds (FMAP) paid to states.
The bill primarily affects Medicaid beneficiaries, who could gain access to reimbursed navigation support connecting them to care and services; health care and community organizations that employ patient navigators, who would become eligible for Medicaid reimbursement; and state Medicaid agencies, which would be required to cover these services. States needing legislative changes to comply would be given additional time to do so without being found out of compliance.
The bill was introduced on September 10, 2026, by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, passage by the House and Senate, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 10, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10331 do?
- The Patient Navigation Assistance Act would amend Medicaid law (title XIX of the Social Security Act) to require state Medicaid programs to reimburse "eligible entities" for patient navigator services provided to Medicaid-eligible individuals. Patient navigators are defined as individuals employed by health care or community-based organizations who help patients access medical, social, financial, or other needed services; the bill sets education, licensing, certification, or training requirements they must meet, with a temporary allowance for Secretary-approved training programs that expires three years after the provision takes effect. These services would also count as "medical assistance" for purposes of federal matching funds (FMAP) paid to states. The bill primarily affects Medicaid beneficiaries, who could gain access to reimbursed navigation support connecting them to care and services; health care and community organizations that employ patient navigators, who would become eligible for Medicaid reimbursement; and state Medicaid agencies, which would be required to cover these services. States needing legislative changes to comply would be given additional time to do so without being found out of compliance. The bill was introduced on September 10, 2026, by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, passage by the House and Senate, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 10331 become law?
- Not yet. As of 10 Sep 2026, H.R. 10331 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10331?
- H.R. 10331 was sponsored by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier [D-CA10] (Democrat-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10331?
- Introduced (10 Sep 2026).
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