Access to LARCs Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8084
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-09T03:53:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, titled the Access to LARCs Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on how well community health centers (CHCs) in "health care deserts" provide access to a variety of contraceptive methods for women who qualify for federal health programs.
Key Provisions
- Study Requirements:
- Examines access to a "range of contraceptive methods" (at least two methods) for "women in need" (women eligible for federal health programs like Medicaid) at CHCs in health care deserts.
- Analyzes barriers such as reimbursement (payment from insurers), inventory stocking, provider training, patient education, and others.
- Identifies which CHCs receive funding under Title X of the Public Health Service Act (federal family planning grants).
- Report Deadline: HHS must submit the report to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
- Key Definitions:
| Term | Definition | |------|------------| | Community health center | A federally supported clinic providing primary care in underserved areas (per section 330(a) of the Public Health Service Act). | | Contraceptive method | FDA-approved drugs, devices, or combination products for contraception (excluding emergency contraception); sexual risk avoidance education; natural family planning or fertility-based methods. | | Health care desert | A state or local area with fewer than 1 CHC per 1,000 women in need. | | Range of contraceptive methods | At least 2 different methods. | | Women in need | Women eligible for federal health care programs (e.g., Medicaid, per Social Security Act). |
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new mandate for HHS to perform this specific study and report; does not amend or repeal any existing laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS gains a workload to complete the study and report quickly; findings could inform future funding or policy for Title X grantees and CHCs.
- Citizens: Women in underserved areas may benefit indirectly if the report leads to improved access to contraception, training, or resources at CHCs.
- International Relations: None.
- Broader Effects: Could highlight gaps in rural or low-resource areas, prompting targeted improvements without mandating changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- HHS Secretary and staff: Responsible for conducting and reporting.
- Community health centers: Especially those in health care deserts and receiving Title X funds; study scrutinizes their operations.
- Women in need: Low-income women relying on CHCs for family planning.
- Congress: Receives data to guide oversight or future legislation.
- Healthcare providers and Title X grantees: Impacted by any follow-up actions on barriers like training or reimbursement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on existing authorities under the Public Health Service Act; no new funding authorized, so implementation depends on HHS's current resources.
- Constitutional: Neutral; involves standard congressional directive for a federal agency study.
- Political: Broadens "contraception" to include abstinence education and natural methods alongside medical options, potentially appealing across ideological lines despite the title referencing LARCs (Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives, though not explicitly defined or limited to them).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Access to LARCs Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (3 pages)