Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023 This bill allows states to receive federal payment under Medicaid for 50% of their costs for providing education on the risk of renal medullary carcinoma to individuals with sickle cell disease. (Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare kidney disease usually found in individuals with the sickle cell trait.)
Impact
If enacted, HB124 would specifically amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to include provisions that support educational initiatives about renal medullary carcinoma. This bill is anticipated to ameliorate the existing gaps in awareness that might otherwise lead to undetected or poorly managed cases of this rare disease. By empowering healthcare providers and Medicaid participants with vital information, the legislation aims to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for those affected.
Summary
House Bill 124, known as the Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023, aims to enhance awareness and education about the risks associated with renal medullary carcinoma among individuals with sickle cell disease who are receiving medical assistance through Medicaid. This initiative acknowledges the rare but serious nature of renal medullary carcinoma, which primarily affects individuals with the sickle cell trait, particularly emphasizing the need for improved patient education in this demographic. The bill proposes to allow states to receive federal payment for half of their expenses incurred while providing this educational service.
Contention
While the bill primarily garners support for its noble aim of increasing health education, potential points of contention may arise regarding the funding allocation and the enhanced responsibilities it places on state Medicaid programs. Critics might argue about the efficacy and practicality of implementing educational programs, especially in states with limited resources or differing health priorities. Furthermore, there could be debates over the inclusion of this specific disease in Medicaid education services amidst calls for broader health education initiatives.
Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023 [sic]This bill allows states to receive federal payment under Medicaid for 50% of their costs for providing education on the risk of renal medullary carcinoma to individuals with sickle cell disease. (Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare kidney disease usually found in individuals with the sickle cell trait.)
Expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2023, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public alertness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease, the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings for sickle cell trait carriers, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions related to sickle cell disease.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2023 as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month" in order to educate communities across the United States about sickle cell disease and the need for research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions related to sickle cell disease.
A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2023, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease.