Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023
- Bill Number
- H.R. 124
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-17T12:02:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023 aims to increase awareness of renal medullary carcinoma—a rare kidney cancer linked to sickle cell disease—among Medicaid recipients by adding it to a list of conditions eligible for educational incentives under the Medicaid program.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 1903(a)(3)(E)(ii) of the Social Security Act, which deals with federal funding incentives for states.
- Inserts "renal medullary carcinoma" into the existing list of health risks (after "stroke") for which states can receive incentives to educate individuals with sickle cell disease who are enrolled in Medicaid.
- The changes apply to medical services provided on or after the date the Act is enacted into law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of Medicaid's incentive program for sickle cell disease education, which previously focused on risks like stroke but did not explicitly include renal medullary carcinoma.
- This addition builds on prior provisions that encourage states to promote preventive education without altering the overall structure of Medicaid funding or eligibility.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May lead to earlier detection and education about renal medullary carcinoma for the estimated 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease who rely on Medicaid, potentially improving health outcomes for this underserved group, particularly Black and Hispanic communities disproportionately affected by the disease.
- On government agencies: State Medicaid programs could receive additional federal matching funds for implementing educational initiatives, encouraging more states to participate without imposing new mandates.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic health policy focused on U.S. public assistance programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease: Primary beneficiaries who gain access to targeted education on cancer risks.
- State Medicaid agencies: Eligible for financial incentives to develop and deliver educational programs.
- Healthcare providers and sickle cell advocacy groups: Involved in disseminating information and may see increased demand for screening services.
- Federal government (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): Oversees implementation and funding adjustments.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens preventive care under Medicaid by aligning with the program's goal of promoting health education; no conflicts with existing federal health laws anticipated.
- Constitutional: Does not raise significant issues, as it involves federal spending incentives under Congress's spending power and does not infringe on state rights beyond voluntary participation.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort to address health disparities in rare diseases, potentially setting a precedent for adding other sickle cell-related conditions to incentive programs; named after Byron Nash, it highlights personal stories to build support for niche health legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023 — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (2 pages)