Small Business Health Options Awareness Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5498
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-02: Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 119-716, Part II.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T17:41:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes the Small Business Health Options Awareness Act of 2026. Its core purpose is to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to distribute information on individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRA) to small businesses, helping them understand this health coverage option.
Key Provisions
- The SBA Administrator must disseminate ICHRA information developed by relevant federal agencies through small business development centers and SBA district offices.
- The same information must be included in the SBA’s broader outreach efforts, such as social media, press releases, and the agency’s website.
- Definitions clarify that “appropriate federal agencies” include the Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor; ICHRA is defined by reference to the 2019 federal rule on health reimbursement arrangements; and “small business concern” and “small business development center” carry their standard meanings under the Small Business Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a new statutory requirement for the SBA to actively promote ICHRA information. It does not amend the Small Business Act or other existing statutes but adds an outreach mandate that was not previously required by law.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the SBA and requires coordination with the Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor.
- Citizens/small businesses: Provides small employers with greater access to information about ICHRA as an alternative to traditional group health plans.
- International relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Small business concerns and their owners.
- The SBA and its network of small business development centers and district offices.
- The Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor.
- Organizations that develop or rely on health reimbursement arrangement guidance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure is administrative in nature and raises no evident constitutional issues. It operates within existing federal authority over small business support and health policy without creating new regulatory requirements or altering individual rights.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-02: Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 119-716, Part II.
- 2026-07-02: Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Small Business, H. Rept. 119-716, Part II.
- 2026-06-29: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 622.
- 2026-06-29: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-716.
- 2026-06-29: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-716.
- 2026-05-20: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 11.
- 2026-05-20: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Small Business Health Options Awareness Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (3 pages)
- Small Business Health Options Awareness Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (6 pages)