Community Multi-Share Coverage Program Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8585
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T17:00:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Community Multi-Share Coverage Program Act of 2026 (H.R. 8585) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to community-based non-profit entities. These grants fund "Community Multi-Share Coverage Programs" that offer affordable health coverage and integrated social services to low-income workers at small businesses. The goals are to reduce uninsured rates, improve health, boost employment retention, and promote long-term economic self-sufficiency.
Key Provisions
- Grant Awards: HHS must award 3 to 5 grants within 180 days of enactment, including at least one to an existing program. Grants last 4 years, with amounts determined by HHS.
- Program Requirements:
- Maintain a physical presence in the community for face-to-face support.
- Provide health coverage for services like doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, preventive care, drugs, and emergencies—no deductibles, low copays, via local networks.
- Partner with community organizations for aligned services (health, workforce, social needs).
- Offer integrated services: Community assessments, individualized health/economic plans, health coaching (non-medical staff guiding lifestyle/social improvements), workforce training, and engagement milestones.
- Shared funding: Costs split among government, hospitals/providers, enrollees, and employers for sustainability.
- Evaluation: Track impacts on health, income, employment, and self-sufficiency; annual reports to HHS.
- Qualifying Individuals (enrollees):
- Live/work in program area.
- Household income above state Medicaid limit but ≤ 400% of federal poverty level.
- Not in a qualified health plan (ACA marketplace plan) recently, ineligible for federal programs (e.g., Medicare, VA), work for small employer (≤100 employees) without affordable coverage (<7% of income for family plan).
- Applications: Non-profits apply with commitments from hospitals/employers and certifications (e.g., no pre-existing condition exclusions, sufficient provider network).
- Funding: Authorizes $4.8M (FY2026), $7.2M (FY2027), $12M each (FY2028-2029).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new grant program outside existing frameworks like Medicaid or ACA marketplaces.
- Creates novel "multi-share" model blending health coverage with social/workforce services, emphasizing shared costs and community partnerships—not altering Medicaid eligibility or ACA plans directly.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS gains new grant administration duties, including oversight and evaluations; promotes transition from government programs like Medicaid.
- Citizens: Low-income small business workers (e.g., "ALICE" households—asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) gain affordable coverage and support to exit poverty/uninsurance, potentially improving health and job stability.
- Small Businesses: Easier hiring/retention by offering competitive benefits without high costs.
- Communities: Reduces uncompensated hospital care via partnerships; fosters local economic recovery.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders
- HHS (Secretary): Oversees grants, applications, reporting.
- Community non-profits: Lead programs, partner with hospitals/employers.
- Hospitals and providers: Contribute funding, form care networks.
- Small employers: Provide worker contributions, gain competitive edge.
- Low-income workers: Primary beneficiaries (enrollees).
- Local/state governments, nonprofits, workforce orgs: Collaborate on services/funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with ACA (uses its definitions for "qualified health plan," "small employer"; bans pre-existing exclusions). Requires compliance with federal anti-fraud rules for health programs.
- Constitutional: Standard federal spending power via grants; no novel mandates on states/private entities.
- Political: Targets "gaps" in Medicaid/ACA for working poor; emphasizes self-sufficiency over entitlements, with bipartisan sponsors (Moolenaar, Huizenga). Pilot scale (3-5 sites) allows testing before expansion.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Community Multi-Share Coverage Program Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (16 pages)