Endometriosis CARE Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6682

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:05:55Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Endometriosis Coverage, Awareness, Research, and Education Act (Endometriosis CARE Act) aims to improve understanding, treatment, and support for endometriosis—a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, fertility issues, and other complications—by funding research, addressing access barriers, raising public and professional awareness, and studying disparities in care.

Key Provisions

The bill amends the Public Health Service Act by adding a new section (SEC. 486C) with the following components:

• Research and Data Collection (Subsection a):

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director must conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research on endometriosis, including efforts to improve treatments and develop a cure. This may involve creating or expanding an online resource hub for research, treatments, and patient information. Authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

• Barriers to Treatment Access (Subsection b):

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must analyze obstacles to treating endometriosis symptoms, such as transportation issues or shortages of health care providers. The analysis will review data from Medicaid (a joint federal-state health program for low-income individuals), the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, which covers children's health care), and private health insurance plans. HHS may require insurers and states to report relevant data, including on coverage gaps or costs, while protecting patient privacy under existing laws. A report on findings must be submitted to Congress and published online within two years of enactment.

• Public Education (Subsection c):

HHS must create and distribute public information on endometriosis, emphasizing its prevalence (especially among racial/ethnic minorities and underserved groups), mental health support tailored to cultural and language needs, and available treatments. Information can be shared directly or through partnerships with nonprofits, universities, and government entities. Authorizes $2 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

• Provider Education (Subsection d):

In consultation with medical professional groups, HHS must provide guidance to doctors, health organizations, and systems on evidence-based practices for diagnosing, treating, and communicating about endometriosis. Authorizes $2 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

• Disparities Study (Subsection e):

HHS must contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine within 90 days of enactment to study differences in endometriosis prevalence, detection, treatment, and outcomes based on factors like race, ethnicity, location, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and insurance type. The Academies must provide recommendations to Congress, federal agencies, providers, and others, and issue a public report within 24 months. Authorizes $500,000 for this study.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation introduces a dedicated framework for endometriosis by adding a new section to the Public Health Service Act (which governs federal health programs). It expands NIH's research mandate to include specific endometriosis initiatives, requires new data reporting from health insurers and state programs (e.g., via the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System, a federal database for Medicaid data), and mandates the first federal study on endometriosis disparities through the National Academies. No direct changes to insurance coverage laws are made, but it enables better data on coverage barriers.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: HHS and NIH will gain new responsibilities for research, data analysis, education, and contracting, supported by authorized funding totaling up to $57.5 million over five years (plus the $500,000 study). This could increase administrative workload but enhance federal health surveillance capabilities. States may face added reporting requirements for Medicaid and CHIP data.

• Citizens: Individuals with endometriosis, particularly from underserved groups (e.g., racial minorities, rural residents, or those with limited English proficiency), could benefit from improved access to information, treatments, and mental health support, potentially reducing diagnostic delays and health disparities. Broader public awareness may encourage earlier medical consultations.

• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. health policy without provisions for global collaboration or foreign aid.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Patients and Underserved Communities: Primarily women and others with endometriosis, with a focus on racial/ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, rural populations, LGBTQ+ people, and those with disabilities.
• Health Care Providers and Organizations: Doctors, clinics, and professional societies will receive new educational resources to improve care quality.
• Insurers and Health Plans: Private insurers, Medicaid, and CHIP programs must provide data on treatment access, potentially influencing future coverage policies.
• Government and Research Entities: HHS, NIH, and the National Academies will lead implementation; nonprofits, universities, and consumer groups may partner on education efforts.
• Researchers: Benefits from funded studies on causes, treatments, and cures.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill emphasizes privacy protections under laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which safeguards medical information), ensuring data collection complies with federal standards. It authorizes appropriations without mandating spending, giving Congress flexibility in budgeting.

• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate public health and interstate commerce (e.g., insurance markets). The focus on health equity supports equal protection principles without creating new rights or entitlements.

• Political: As a bipartisan bill introduced by a diverse group of representatives, it highlights growing attention to women's health issues and disparities. It could set a precedent for targeted funding of under-researched chronic conditions, potentially influencing future health legislation amid debates on federal spending and equity in care.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]

Cosponsors (27)

Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Endometriosis Coverage, Awareness, Research, and Education Act — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (9 pages)