Policy Impact Analysis - 117/S/4486

Bill Overview

Title: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022

Description: This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and others to undertake efforts to reduce health disparities. For example, the bill (1) requires more detailed reporting of demographic and health disparities data, including related to public health emergencies; (2) directs certain components of HHS to support health workforce diversity; and (3) increases access to culturally and linguistically appropriate health care. The bill also modifies eligibility and other requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, nutrition assistance, and other programs to reduce health disparities among vulnerable populations. The bill includes specific provisions with respect to noncitizens; maternal, infant, and child health; mental and behavioral health; specified conditions that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, such as certain cancers, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, and diabetes; investments in communities facing health and other inequities; and nondiscrimination in the provision of services in federally supported health programs. Additionally, the bill (1) revises health information technology programs to address health disparities, and (2) supports health impact assessments and other efforts pertaining to environmental justice and social determinants of health (i.e., nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income and educational attainment). The bill also requires various studies and reports on issues related to health care and health disparities, including a report by the Government Accountability Office on health workforce diversity.

Sponsors: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

Target Audience

Population: people affected by the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022

Estimated Size: 150000000

• The bill aims at reducing health disparities, which primarily affect racial and ethnic minorities.
• It modifies Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance programs which are widely used by many Americans, especially those from lower-income groups.
• The bill specifically mentions noncitizens, suggesting it impacts immigrants and undocumented individuals too.
• Mental and behavioral health services, and maternal, infant, and child health provisions suggest broad impact across various age groups.
• Diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and certain cancers have a higher prevalence in minority groups, hence a larger focus in these populations.
• Environmental justice components suggest impacts in both urban and rural areas where communities may face environmental health risks.
• Nondiscrimination clauses indicate that all federally supported health programs may see changes, affecting all who use these services.

Reasoning

• The policy targets very specific vulnerable populations which means not everyone in the US will be directly affected.
• Given budget constraints, not all aspects of the policy will be fully implemented immediately, affecting the scale of impact.
• Racial and ethnic minorities, noncitizens, and low-income groups are most likely to benefit due to tailored provisions.
• The policy spans several important areas, making it likely to affect people differently depending on their circumstances, such as an undocumented immigrant versus an elderly citizen on Medicaid.

Simulated Interviews

Cost Estimates

Key Considerations

• The bill addresses broad and longstanding healthcare inequities but requires significant upfront investment.
• Implementation will need careful coordination across various HHS components and state-level agencies.
• Economic and social impacts are contingent on the effective reduction of health disparities and social determinants of health over time.