Sponsors (6)
Authorizes HRSA grants to fund mobile cancer screening units for rural and underserved areas, with $2M award cap and $15M/year authorized for FY2027–2031.
The bill expands access to lung cancer screening in underserved areas through federally funded mobile units and grants and improves program transparency, but it requires ongoing federal spending and includes design and funding limits (matching requirements, award caps, and a 90-minute follow-up rule) that may leave some providers and extremely remote communities unable to fully benefit.
People in rural and underserved communities (including indigenous, racial/ethnic minorities, and low-income individuals) gain increased access to lung cancer screening via mobile screening units funded by the program.
Hospitals, FQHCs, and health systems can receive grants (up to $2M per award) to buy vehicles and imaging equipment, enabling local providers to offer screening services they otherwise might not provide.
The program targets areas with the greatest mortality and screening gaps, which could improve early detection and survival particularly where early-stage diagnosis rates have been low.
The program requires follow-up care within 90 minutes by ground transport, which may exclude extremely remote communities that lack nearby referral centers and perpetuate access gaps for those populations.
Taxpayers bear ongoing cost: the bill authorizes $15 million annually for FY2027–2031, increasing federal spending to support the program.
The required matching contribution (at least $1 per $3 federal) may deter smaller or cash‑strapped providers and clinics from applying, limiting program reach in low-resource areas.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Official title: To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for supporting new mobile cancer screening units to expand patient access to essential screening services in rural and underserved communities, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 15, 2025 by Raul Ruiz · Last progress July 15, 2025
Creates a federal grant program, run by HRSA, to fund new mobile cancer screening units that serve rural and underserved areas. Grants may cover vehicles, imaging equipment, digital tools, and approved startup or operational costs, with awards capped at $2,000,000 and a required non‑Federal match of at least $1 for every $3 of Federal funds. Prioritizes applicants that will reduce cancer mortality and increase screening among underserved populations, require follow‑up care within 90 minutes by ground transport where possible, and serve tribal/IHS and rural areas; authorizes $15 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 and requires a report to Congress within four years.