Disability Community Act of 2026
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9940, the Disability Community Act of 2026, would amend the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act to temporarily increase the federal government's share of Medicaid costs (the federal medical assistance percentage, or FMAP) for certain expenses. Specifically, for calendar quarters in 2027, 2028, and 2029, the federal government would pay 90 percent of state Medicaid spending that is attributable to compliance with specified federal labor and Medicaid regulations, when that spending relates to intermediate care facilities or home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill also updates outdated terminology throughout Medicaid law, replacing phrases such as "mentally retarded" and "mental retardation" with "intellectual or developmental disabilities" or similar person-first language.
The bill primarily affects state Medicaid programs, providers of intermediate care and home- and community-based services, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on these services. By raising the federal cost-share for regulatory compliance expenses, it could reduce the financial burden on states covering these services during the specified years.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Paul Tonko, with Rep. Fitzpatrick as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered by the committee, potentially amended, and passed by both the House and Senate before it could 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 July 23, 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. 9940 do?
- H.R. 9940, the Disability Community Act of 2026, would amend the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act to temporarily increase the federal government's share of Medicaid costs (the federal medical assistance percentage, or FMAP) for certain expenses. Specifically, for calendar quarters in 2027, 2028, and 2029, the federal government would pay 90 percent of state Medicaid spending that is attributable to compliance with specified federal labor and Medicaid regulations, when that spending relates to intermediate care facilities or home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill also updates outdated terminology throughout Medicaid law, replacing phrases such as "mentally retarded" and "mental retardation" with "intellectual or developmental disabilities" or similar person-first language. The bill primarily affects state Medicaid programs, providers of intermediate care and home- and community-based services, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on these services. By raising the federal cost-share for regulatory compliance expenses, it could reduce the financial burden on states covering these services during the specified years. The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Paul Tonko, with Rep. Fitzpatrick as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered by the committee, potentially amended, and passed by both the House and Senate before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 9940 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9940 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9940?
- H.R. 9940 was sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko [D-NY20] (Democrat-NY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9940?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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