H.R. 4417: Mobile Cancer Screening Act

This bill, known as the Mobile Cancer Screening Act, aims to enhance access to cancer screening services in rural and underserved areas by providing funding for mobile cancer screening units. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of the bill is to support the establishment of mobile cancer screening units that can travel to locations where residents may not have easy access to cancer screening services. The bill intends to fund these units to improve early detection of cancers, which can significantly increase survival rates.

Grants and Funding

The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for supporting new mobile cancer screening units. Here are the main aspects regarding funding:

• Eligible Entities: Various organizations can apply for these funds, including:
  • Nonprofit hospitals
  • Federally qualified health centers
  • Academic health centers
  • Health systems
  • Collaborations or consortia of the above entities
• Use of Funds: The funds provided can be utilized for:
  • Purchasing commercial vehicles for mobile units
  • Acquiring imaging technology for screenings
  • Obtaining digital tools needed for operations
  • Covering other essential operational costs
• Funding Limit: Each award for setting up a mobile unit may not exceed $2 million.
• Matching Funds: Recipients of the funding must provide matching funds from non-federal sources, contributing at least one dollar for every three dollars awarded.
• Prioritization: The Secretary will prioritize applicants serving underserved populations and those with the highest potential to impact cancer mortality and screening gaps.

Reporting and Oversight

Four years after the bill's enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress outlining:

• The number of patients screened using the funded mobile units, with demographic details.
• The effectiveness of the funding in increasing screening rates and improving patient outcomes.
• Recommendations for improving the program.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $15 million for each fiscal year from 2027 to 2031 to support these initiatives.

Overall Impact

The legislation aims to significantly improve cancer screening access in areas that traditionally face barriers to healthcare, thus potentially leading to earlier detection of cancer and better health outcomes for populations at risk.

Relevant Companies

• MDLZ - Mondelez International: As a company that operates in diverse markets, Mondelez could be involved in initiatives related to community health and wellness, but their direct impact may be limited.