Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 19, 2026
Bottom line
This bill reauthorizes the WISEWOMAN program for five years with increased funding, expanding preventive health services for high-risk women and requiring a GAO study on program effectiveness.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program through fiscal year 2031, expanding its scope to include additional preventive health services and a broader range of high-risk women. It also mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to assess the program's effectiveness and reach.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that reauthorizing and expanding the WISEWOMAN program is crucial for addressing cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, which are leading causes of death and disability among women. They contend that early detection, preventive screenings, and health education can significantly improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote health equity by reaching vulnerable populations.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might raise concerns about the overall cost of the program, the potential for duplication of services with other existing health initiatives, or question the efficiency and measurable long-term impact of federal grant programs in achieving widespread health improvements without more rigorous oversight. However, direct opposition to preventive health programs is generally uncommon.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a thorough understanding and evaluation in a very short timeframe.
Section 2, amending Section 1509 of the Public Health Service Act
Reauthorization and Expansion of WISEWOMAN Program
This section reauthorizes the WISEWOMAN program, allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the CDC) to award supplemental grants to entities already receiving grants for breast and cervical cancer screenings under Section 1501. These supplemental grants are for providing additional preventive health services, including screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, as well as evidence-based health education. It also expands eligibility for these services to include 'other women who are high-risk' beyond those already eligible for breast and cervical cancer screenings, and authorizes $250,000,000 for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this reauthorization and expansion are critical for addressing preventable health conditions in women, promoting early intervention, and improving overall public health. They emphasize that broadening eligibility to 'other high-risk women' ensures that more individuals who could benefit from these services are reached, potentially reducing health disparities.
Critics contend
Critics might express concerns about the administrative overhead associated with federal grant programs or question whether the expanded eligibility criteria might dilute the program's focus without a proportional increase in effectiveness. Some may also raise general concerns about the growth of federal health programs.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of expanding access to vital preventive health services for a broader population of high-risk women against the financial commitment and administrative complexities of managing a federal grant program.
Section 3
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study on WISEWOMAN Program
This section mandates that the Comptroller General of the United States (who leads the GAO) conduct a comprehensive study of the WISEWOMAN program. The study must be reported to specific congressional committees by September 30, 2027, and include an estimate of eligible individuals, trends in individuals served, barriers to accessing cardiovascular health screenings, and an analysis of the program's cost-effectiveness regarding patient outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity.