Bill Overview
Title: Endometriosis CARE Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address endometriosis through increasing awareness, research, and other means. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which may result in pain, infertility, and other symptoms. Specifically, HHS must report on barriers (e.g., issues related to health insurance coverage and costs) to accessing endometriosis care and treatments; disseminate information about endometriosis, such as its symptoms and treatments, to both the public and health care providers; and seek to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study racial, ethnic, and other disparities in endometriosis prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. The National Institutes of Health must also conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research related to endometriosis.
Sponsors: Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by endometriosis
Estimated Size: 7000000
- Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women and girls globally, which is roughly 190 million people.
- The condition also impacts a small number of trans men and non-binary individuals who have a uterus, as well as individuals beyond reproductive age in some cases.
- Increasing awareness, research, and education on endometriosis may impact all individuals directly affected by the condition and potentially improve health outcomes worldwide.
Reasoning
- Endometriosis affects a wide range of people, including women, trans men, and non-binary individuals, although mainly impacting those between ages 15 and 44.
- The policy will mainly impact individuals affected by endometriosis by improving awareness, research, and accessibility of care.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy might not drastically change wellbeing scores of all affected but can provide measurable relief to a segment of the population.
- The policy will not directly affect those without endometriosis, but public awareness campaigns could lead to broader understanding and empathy, indirectly improving societal wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (New York City)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any increase in awareness and research funding is welcome as it can improve my quality of life.
- Better insurance coverage would relieve financial stress,
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Actress (Los Angeles)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stronger policies could really make a difference in making treatments more affordable.
- Increased research can potentially lead to better treatment options in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
College Student (Miami)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Raising awareness is important so more people can understand what I'm dealing with.
- I hope for better education in schools about these kinds of health issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Chicago)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that more research will provide alternative treatments.
- Education on the condition is desperately needed in rural areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Trans man, Project Manager (Denver)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see policies that recognize the needs of trans people in health care.
- There's hope for better support systems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Self-Employed (Phoenix)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public access to more information would be helpful for people unaware of post-menopause symptoms.
- I hope future policies consider wider age ranges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Barista (Seattle)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean finally having supportive healthcare providers.
- I hope this helps non-binary people feel included in healthcare discussions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Nurse (Boston)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this will improve patient's trust in our system.
- Full coverage for medications would be amazing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Austin)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could really change how we talk about women's health in society.
- We need more community support programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Scientist (San Francisco)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a step in the right direction for research funding.
- Community involvement is key to effective policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $57000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $67000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- Endometriosis affects a significant portion of the female and minority population, making it a relevant public health concern.
- Long-term educational initiatives may shift societal perceptions and potentially increase diagnosis rates.
- Financial impacts need to be balanced against the potential for broad health benefits.