Sickle Cell Care Expansion Act of 2026
Creates physician incentives and grants for sickle cell education, care, and transitions from pediatric to adult services.
In the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee since Sept. 23, 2026, 15 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 23, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- SENATESENATE—
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Sickle cell disease care can involve research, ongoing treatment, and a move from pediatric to adult providers. The bill would create physician scholarship and loan-repayment programs, community education grants, and grants to support transitions into adult care. It authorizes funding for all three programs for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
- 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.
- Recruit physicians for sickle cell care
The bill would offer medical students scholarships for up to 4 school years, or repay eligible physicians’ education loans, in exchange for service in sickle cell research or care. Scholarship recipients would serve one year for each school year funded; participants would also have to complete a residency consistent with hematology training and a hematology fellowship. The Secretary could prioritize applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Fund community education and advocacy
The bill would authorize grants to eligible community, faith-based, nonprofit, and federally qualified health center organizations for programs that improve sickle cell health literacy, share information about health and community services, or improve access to care and treatment decisions.
- Support transitions to adult care
The bill would authorize grants for programs helping patients ages 18 to 29 move from pediatric to adult sickle cell care, including help finding adult providers and support with treatment and appointments. Eligible hospitals and higher education institutions could also use grants for specialist fellowships or short-term training programs.
- Require transition-program reporting
Grant recipients would report annually on their activities, patient health outcomes, and, when applicable, specialists trained and fellowships funded. The Secretary would report to specified congressional committees within two years of enactment and annually thereafter.
The bill states that the physician program is intended to advance learning about sickle cell disease and increase the supply of physicians treating it, especially for adults. It also aims to support community education and help patients maintain care when moving from pediatric to adult services.
The bill authorizes federal funding for these activities, but the authorizations do not guarantee that funds will be appropriated. If enacted and funded, the programs would support physician training and service, community outreach, and care-transition services.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 23, 2026SENATESEP 23, 2026By Sen. Hollen with 2 original cosponsorsReferred to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- SAME DAYNOWSenate committeeSEP 23, 2026HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, & PENSIONS NOWSEP 23, 2026In committee for 15 daysNo hearing yet
- 15 DAYS SO FARPassed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- House committee—HOUSE—
- Passed the House—HOUSE 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 232026SEP 23, 2026REFERREDRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- SEP 232026SEP 23, 2026INTRODUCEDSENATEIntroduced in Senate
At day 15, this bill is already older than 4% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 2 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Sen. Van Hollen’s record: sponsored 76 bills this Congress. 1 passed the Senate; 0 became law.
- Cory A. BookerD-NJORIGINAL
- Amy KlobucharD-MNORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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