Women’s Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026

Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026

Summary

Continues funding for a program that gives women health screenings for heart disease risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

What problem does this solve?

The WISEWOMAN program, which provides key heart health screenings for women, is set to lose its funding. This bill provides $250 million to continue the program for five more years, ensuring women can still get these services.

Who does this affect?

  • Women at high-risk for heart disease
  • Public health clinics

What does this bill do?

Continues the WISEWOMAN program
Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN program, which provides preventive health services to women.
Provides five years of funding
Authorizes $250,000,000 to fund the program for the period covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Defines who can receive services
Makes services available to women in breast and cervical cancer screening programs and other high-risk women as determined by the Secretary of Health.
Requires a study on program effectiveness
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report on the program's performance, reach, and cost-effectiveness by September 30, 2027.

What is the real world impact?

Promotes preventive health care for women
Aims to reduce heart disease, a leading cause of death in women, by funding screenings and health education. This helps catch problems early before they become more serious and costly.

When does this start?

This bill outlines specific timelines for program funding and a required government report.
Program funding period
Authorizes funding for the program from the start of fiscal year 2027 through the end of fiscal year 2031.
Government accountability report
Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the program's performance no later than September 30, 2027.