Sponsors (38)
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Authorizes the HHS Secretary to award grants to public or nonprofit health care providers that serve minority, low-income, or medically underserved communities to expand and improve maternal and infant health services, improve outcomes, and reduce disparities. Grants must prioritize providers that primarily serve these communities, are community‑based or community‑led, and are located in the communities served; require culturally and linguistically appropriate services; cap administrative costs at 10%; and require coordination of federally funded maternal health activities. Funding is authorized as "such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2026–2030.
The bill expands and targets maternal and infant health services for underserved communities and emphasizes community-led, culturally competent care, but its long-term reach and effectiveness depend on uncertain appropriations and could strain some providers through administrative requirements and strict limits on overhead.
Women in minority, low-income, and medically underserved communities would gain expanded prenatal, infant postnatal, and up to 12-month postpartum services through new grant programs, improving access to care and likely reducing maternal and infant morbidity in those communities.
Community-led and community-located providers would receive funding priority, increasing resources for trusted local providers and strengthening care delivered by organizations rooted in the communities they serve.
Non-English speakers and culturally diverse patients would get more accessible and usable care because grantees must provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Eligible entities and the women they serve face funding uncertainty because the program is authorized with open-ended language ('such sums as may be necessary') and depends on future appropriations.
Eligible grantees could face increased administrative and coordination burdens (to avoid duplication and meet program requirements), which may divert staff time and resources away from direct patient care.
Small nonprofit providers may struggle to cover overhead and compliance costs because the 10% cap on administrative expenses restricts reimbursable administrative spending.
Introduced March 6, 2025 by Maxine Waters · Last progress March 6, 2025