HELP STATES Act
Lets states keep more of certain recovered Medicaid overpayments for program-integrity work.
In the House Energy and Commerce Committee since Sept. 28, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 28, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Medicaid payments can sometimes be made improperly because of fraud. The HELP STATES Act would let states keep out of the federal recovery adjustment part of the federal share of certain fraud-related overpayments they recover. States would have to use that money for program-integrity work and report its use annually.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Increases states’ share of fraud recoveries
For quarters beginning 18 months after enactment, a state may elect to exclude up to 25% of the federal government’s pro rata share of certain fraud-related Medicaid overpayments it recovers from the amount adjusted under current law.
- Requires integrity spending and annual reports
States must use the excluded amounts for program-integrity activities, such as audits, investigations, data analysis, or technology to detect, prevent, or recover improper payments. At least annually, each state must report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services how it used the money.
The bill focuses on how states and the federal government divide certain Medicaid overpayments recovered because of fraud. It would give states more resources they could use for program-integrity work, while reducing the amount included in the adjustment for the federal share.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 28, 2026HOUSESEP 28, 2026By Rep. Jr. with 5 original cosponsorsReferred to Energy and Commerce
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 28, 2026ENERGY & COMMERCE NOWSEP 28, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 282026SEP 28, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- SEP 282026SEP 28, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 3 states
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Kean’s record: sponsored 39 bills this Congress. 3 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr.R-PA-8ORIGINAL
- Jennifer A. KiggansR-VA-2ORIGINAL
- Young KimR-CA-40ORIGINAL
- David G. ValadaoR-CA-22ORIGINAL
- Robert J. WittmanR-VA-1ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
Get an alert when it changes stage, gets a floor vote in the House, or is signed into law.