S. 2825: Health Access Innovation Act of 2025

The **Health Access Innovation Act of 2025** aims to improve health equity and access to healthcare for underserved communities in the United States. To achieve this, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program known as the **Health Equity Innovation Grant Program**. Here’s a summary of the key components:

Purpose of the Grant Program

The grant program is designed to:

• Expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare for individuals who face health disparities.
• Encourage innovative approaches to address persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges.

Specific Activities Supported by Grants

The grants can be used for various activities, including:

• Covering costs for medical services, health screenings, tests, and preventive services.
• Increasing access to healthcare, including:
  • More public health services.
  • Enhancing the diversity of health workers.
  • Improving the availability of services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
  • Addressing social determinants of health and barriers to timely, quality care.
• Supporting community health navigators and workers, peer support specialists, and other professionals who can help connect underserved populations to healthcare services.
• Expanding the capacity of eligible entities to provide services effectively.
• Implementing other programs that address social determinants of health.

Eligibility for Grants

To be eligible for these grants, organizations must:

• Be a faith-based or community-based organization.
• Demonstrate a capability to tackle chronic health disparities in communities that are disproportionately affected by health conditions.
• Be located in a medically underserved community or a health professional shortage area.

Priority Consideration

The Secretary will prioritize awarding grants to those entities that have established or operated health workforce or access programs during public health emergencies.

Funding Details

The bill outlines specific funding amounts authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030:

• $50 million for fiscal year 2026
• $55 million for fiscal year 2027
• $60 million for fiscal year 2028
• $65 million for fiscal year 2029
• $70 million for fiscal year 2030

Additionally, a maximum of 5 percent of the total funds may be used for administrative costs related to the grant program.

Definition of Community-Based Organizations

The bill refers to community-based organizations as defined in a specific section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. These organizations play a crucial role as local entities that can effectively address health challenges within their communities.

Relevant Companies

• None found