H.R. 3409: Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Popu… (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Population Act of 2025 (HEADs UP Act), aims to improve healthcare services for individuals with developmental disabilities. It specifically amends the Public Health Service Act to enhance the definition of medically underserved populations, thereby ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities are included.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Inclusion of Developmental Disabilities in Healthcare Services: The bill adds individuals with developmental disabilities to the definition of medically underserved populations. This change means that they will be recognized for special healthcare services and assistance through health centers.
Grants for Healthcare Services: The Secretary of Health is authorized to award grants to existing health centers. These funds will be used to establish or improve healthcare delivery sites specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities, which includes necessary services like dental care.
Specialized Treatment Requirements: Health centers that receive grants must provide primary healthcare services and specialized treatment for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as trained dental care. This ensures that these centers are equipped to properly care for this population.
Funding Authorization: The bill authorizes $15 million each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to support services specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of care available to this group.
Ethical Funding Use: It includes a provision that grants must be used to supplement, not replace, existing healthcare expenditures at these centers, ensuring that the quality and availability of services do not decline as new funding is introduced.
Health Professional Shortage Areas: The bill amends the definition of health professional shortage areas to include individuals with developmental disabilities. This recognition aims to provide more targeted support in response to healthcare shortages in areas serving this population.

Overall Goals

The bill seeks to enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities. By revising existing legislation to include this group in definitions of underserved populations and providing financial support, the legislation aims to promote better health outcomes and greater availability of necessary services tailored to the needs of these individuals.