Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026

Summary of HR 7417 — Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026

Date Introduced: February 9, 2026

Committee: House Committee on Energy and Commerce (referred)

Sponsor: Representative Beatty (and multiple co-sponsors)

Jurisdiction: United States federal statute; amends the Public Health Service Act

1) Purpose and Intent

• To reauthorize and expand the WISEWOMAN program by creating supplemental grants to fund additional preventive health services for women, with a focus on cardiovascular risk prevention and health education.
• The bill aims to broaden access to preventive screenings and ensure appropriate referrals and follow-up for women who receive services under the program.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Supplemental Grants for Additional Preventive Health Services (Section 1509)

• The Secretary, via the Director of the CDC, may award supplemental grants to recipients of grants under section 1501.
• Purposes of supplemental grants:
  1. Provide additional preventive health services beyond those authorized under section 1501, including:
     • Screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol
     • Health education
  2. Provide appropriate referrals for medical treatment for women who receive services under paragraph (1), and ensure feasible follow-up services.
  3. Evaluate activities under paragraphs (1) and (2) using surveillance or program-monitoring activities.

B. Eligibility for Services

• Women eligible for services under the supplemental grants include:
  • Women already receiving services under a grant under section 1501
  • Other low-income women who meet criteria specified by the Secretary

C. Authorized Providers

• Services under the supplemental grants must be provided by:
  • An entity screening women for breast and cervical cancer under a grant under section 1501, or
  • Other entities designated by the grant recipient, subject to the Secretary’s approval

D. Funding

• Authorized appropriations: $250,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2031

3) Who Would Be Affected

• Women who participate in or are referred through the WISEWOMAN program
• States and local health departments or nonprofit organizations currently operating WISEWOMAN-funded activities under section 1501
• Providers and health systems involved in preventive services, cardiovascular screening, and health education for low-income women
• The CDC, in its role administering supplemental grants and overseeing program evaluation

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the text provided; the funding authorization covers FY 2027–FY 2031, implying near-term administration should begin in fiscal year 2027 if enacted.
• Reauthorization: The bill explicitly reauthorizes and expands the WISEWOMAN program by extending its scope and funding.
• Evaluation: The act requires evaluation of the expanded preventive activities through surveillance or program-monitoring activities.

5) Financial Facts

• Additional funding authorized: $250 million total, for five fiscal years (2027–2031)

6) Practical Implications

• Increased access to preventive screenings for cardiovascular health (blood pressure, cholesterol) among low-income women.
• Expanded health education efforts tied to heart health.
• Structured referral networks and follow-up to ensure treatment and management of detected conditions.
• Enhanced program evaluation to measure impact and effectiveness of expanded services.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with the current WISEWOMAN program authorities (section 1501) to highlight how HR 7417 changes existing authorities.