Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to reduce cancer disparities and mortality rates among women by increasing access to screenings, enhancing provider training, and improving data collection, primarily through federal grants to women's health care providers.
What it actually does
This bill establishes new grant programs and demonstration projects aimed at expanding access to preventive cancer screenings and related care for women, with a particular focus on underserved communities and women of color. It authorizes $20 million annually for three fiscal years to fund these initiatives, which include grants to women's health care providers, a training program for health professionals, and a demonstration project for cervical cancer co-testing. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive study and periodic reports to Congress on cancer screening rates, disparities, and the impact of the new programs.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for addressing significant health disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, especially among women of color and those in rural or underserved areas. They contend that increased access to preventive screenings, culturally competent care, and specialized provider training will lead to earlier detection, more effective treatment, reduced healthcare costs, and ultimately save lives by proactively tackling systemic barriers to care.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the bill's objectives are commendable, its approach could lead to an expansion of federal programs without sufficient oversight or demonstrable long-term effectiveness. Some may also raise concerns about the specific entities prioritized for grants, suggesting that funding should be more broadly distributed or focused on different types of providers to ensure maximum reach and impact.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to evaluate its provisions.
Section 4, adding new section 317P-1 to the Public Health Service Act.
Expansion of Preventive Cancer Screening Grants
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants and contracts to public or nonprofit private entities. The purpose is to expand access to preventive health services, specifically various cancer screenings (including clinical breast exams, Pap tests, HPV tests, and diagnostic tests) for women, with a particular emphasis on women of color. It authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for these grants.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that direct funding to providers who serve at-risk populations is the most effective way to close gaps in cancer screening access and reduce disparities, as these entities are often trusted community anchors with established relationships.
Critics contend
Some critics might argue that focusing grants on specific types of entities could limit competition or exclude other potentially effective providers, or that the funding level is insufficient to make a significant national impact.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between targeting resources to specific providers known to serve vulnerable populations and ensuring broad access and competition among all qualified healthcare providers.
Section 5, adding new section 317P-2 to the Public Health Service Act.
Provider Training on Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Screening
This section establishes a three-year demonstration program to award grants for training healthcare providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The training focuses on the latest clinical guidelines for breast and gynecologic cancer screening, appropriate follow-up care, and includes modules on implicit bias, cultural competency, and patient-centered communication to address racial disparities in care. The goal is to create a replicable training model, particularly for providers serving rural, underserved, low-income, and communities of color.
Section 6.
Comprehensive Study on Cancer Screening Access and Disparities
This section mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit periodic reports to Congress. The study will analyze breast and gynecologic cancer rates, screening access, and disparities across various demographics and geographic areas. It specifically requires an analysis of how structural racism impacts access and outcomes, and an evaluation of the new training and co-testing demonstration projects established by the bill. The reports will also include recommendations for increasing screening rates and estimated federal savings from early detection.
Section 7, adding new section 317P-3 to the Public Health Service Act.
Cervical Cancer Co-Testing Demonstration Project
This section establishes a two-year demonstration project focused on increasing the rates of co-testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cytology (Pap tests). The project aims to develop models specifically for women with disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer, including Black, Hispanic/Latina, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women. Funds can be used to increase co-testing access, support culturally and linguistically appropriate delivery models, and improve health outcomes for these patients. Priority is given to entities serving low-income, uninsured, or medically underserved populations.