Shane DiGiovanna Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7877

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-17: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2535)

Last Updated

2026-04-03T08:05:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Shane DiGiovanna Act aims to improve access to wound care treatments for people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin disorder that causes the skin to blister and tear easily from minor friction or injury. It establishes a temporary test program under Medicaid (a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals) to evaluate whether requiring coverage for specific over-the-counter wound care items can reduce health complications and costs.

Key Provisions

• Demonstration Program Setup: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must start a 2-year nationwide program within 1 year of the bill's enactment. This program mandates that states include certain wound care items and services as covered benefits under their Medicaid plans (or approved waivers) for eligible low-income individuals.
• Covered Items and Services: The program requires coverage for:
• Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines (to reduce itching), acetaminophen (for pain relief), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling).
• Antiseptics (to prevent infection), zinc oxide (a skin protectant), antibiotic ointments, and essential wound care supplies such as dressings (primary and secondary layers to cover wounds), gauze, and bandage retainers.
• Eligibility: Coverage applies to individuals who qualify for Medicaid under the category for low-income families and children (as defined in federal law).
• Reporting Requirement: Within 1 year after the program ends, HHS must submit a report to Congress evaluating:
• Changes in Medicaid spending on EB treatments, including any savings from avoided medical care.
• Improvements in health outcomes for EB patients compared to before the program.
• Recommendations for preventing hospitalizations related to EB.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a new, mandatory demonstration program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (the federal law governing Medicaid). Currently, Medicaid coverage for over-the-counter items like these wound care supplies varies by state and is often optional or limited. The program temporarily standardizes and requires nationwide coverage for these specific EB-related items during the 2-year test period, without altering permanent Medicaid rules.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: HHS will need to oversee program implementation, coordinate with states, and produce a detailed report, potentially increasing administrative workload but providing data for future policy decisions. States may face short-term costs for expanded coverage but could see long-term savings if the program reduces expensive hospital stays.
• On Citizens: Low-income individuals with EB (estimated at fewer than 30,000 in the U.S.) could gain easier access to essential wound care, potentially improving quality of life, reducing pain, and preventing infections or hospitalizations. Other Medicaid enrollees are unlikely to be directly affected.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic health policy focused on U.S. Medicaid.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Medicaid-eligible patients with EB and their families, who may experience better disease management.
• Government Entities: HHS (federal oversight and reporting) and state Medicaid agencies (implementation and funding).
• Healthcare Providers: Pharmacies, wound care specialists, and suppliers of medical items, who could see increased reimbursements for providing these covered products.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations supporting rare disease patients, such as those focused on EB, who may influence or benefit from the program's outcomes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The demonstration program operates as a temporary waiver-like mechanism under existing Medicaid authority, allowing federal testing of new coverage without immediate permanent changes. It could set a precedent for mandating coverage of niche treatments for rare diseases, potentially influencing future waivers or amendments to Medicaid rules.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; it aligns with Congress's spending power to condition federal funds on state compliance with health program requirements.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in rare disease support (introduced by Rep. Landsman), but as a demonstration, it avoids broad fiscal commitments. Success could lead to expanded permanent coverage, while failure might limit future similar initiatives; it emphasizes cost-saving preventive care in public health policy.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-17: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2535)
• 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Shane DiGiovanna Act — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (3 pages)