Us Congress Senate Bill SB996

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

Impact

If enacted, SB996 would allow states to establish multidisciplinary care teams dedicated to treating individuals with sickle cell disease. These teams will be supported through planning grants during the initial 18 months of the project, followed by continued funding to ensure sustainability. The bill also emphasizes the importance of addressing health disparities by requiring states to assess barriers faced by sickle cell patients and identify strategies to improve care delivery, emphasizing a holistic approach to health that encompasses both medical treatment and social support.

Summary

SB996, known as the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, aims to improve outpatient clinical care for individuals with sickle cell disease through a five-year demonstration project funded by Medicaid. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify states to participate in this project, focusing on enhancing access to quality care, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young adults and pregnant women. The project will facilitate initiatives that foster collaborative care, clinical best practices, and broader access to essential health services, including mental health care and supportive services.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding SB996 include the challenge of ensuring equitable access to services across diverse populations and states. Critics may raise concerns about the efficacy of the proposed model in addressing entrenched systemic issues within healthcare delivery for sickle cell patients. Additionally, the bill's reliance on state-level implementation and management could lead to inconsistencies in care quality and accessibility, necessitating rigorous oversight and evaluation to ensure that the objectives of enhanced care and equity are realized across all participating states.