Community Health Worker Access Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
What this bill does
The Community Health Worker Access Act, introduced in the Senate, would expand Medicare coverage to include community health services. These services, to be provided by entities called "community health agencies," would encompass preventive care, addressing social determinants of health, and care coordination. The bill also proposes to make these services reimbursable under Medicare Part B starting January 1, 2027, with a payment of 100 percent of the actual charge or a fee schedule amount determined by the Secretary, and would waive applicable deductibles.
Additionally, the act offers states the option to include preventive services and services addressing social determinants of health, delivered by community health workers, in their Medicaid programs starting January 1, 2027. This option would include a six-percentage-point increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for expenditures on these services. The Secretary would issue guidance for states seeking to implement this option, focusing on recruitment, service availability, emergency preparedness, and addressing barriers for various types of community health agencies.
Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance. It is in the initial stages of the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Community Health Worker Access Act
This bill provides for coverage of community health services under Medicare.
Community health services are services provided by a community health agency in accordance with an individual needs assessment, including preventive services (e.g., screenings) and services to address social determinants of health (e.g., educational home visits). Community health agencies include nonprofits, federally qualified health centers, and other organizations that employ health workers (in accordance with certain labor standards) who have lived experience in the communities served.
The bill also allows state Medicaid programs to cover these services and provides for an increased Medicaid federal matching rate, also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), for these services.
Timeline
17 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Common questions
- What does S. 5424 do?
- The Community Health Worker Access Act, introduced in the Senate, would expand Medicare coverage to include community health services. These services, to be provided by entities called "community health agencies," would encompass preventive care, addressing social determinants of health, and care coordination. The bill also proposes to make these services reimbursable under Medicare Part B starting January 1, 2027, with a payment of 100 percent of the actual charge or a fee schedule amount determined by the Secretary, and would waive applicable deductibles. Additionally, the act offers states the option to include preventive services and services addressing social determinants of health, delivered by community health workers, in their Medicaid programs starting January 1, 2027. This option would include a six-percentage-point increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for expenditures on these services. The Secretary would issue guidance for states seeking to implement this option, focusing on recruitment, service availability, emergency preparedness, and addressing barriers for various types of community health agencies. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance. It is in the initial stages of the legislative process.
- Has S. 5424 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5424. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5424?
- S. 5424 was sponsored by Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE] (D-DE), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5424?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (17 Sep 2026).
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