Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

This bill lets states set up special Medicaid care programs, called health homes, for people with sickle cell disease. Starting January 1, 2026, these programs can coordinate a person’s care in one place and must include dental and vision services for those enrolled, even if the state doesn’t offer those services to other Medicaid patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will also share best practices to help states design these programs.

States that use this option must report on how well care is working, how easy it is to get care, and total health costs for these patients. The report is due by the end of the 8th quarter after the program starts in that state. The bill defines an eligible person as someone on Medicaid who has sickle cell disease, which is an inherited blood disorder confirmed by newborn screening or another genetic test.

• Who is affected: Medicaid enrollees with sickle cell disease.
• What changes: States can create coordinated “health home” programs; dental and vision services are required for enrollees; states must track and report results.
• When: Programs can begin January 1, 2026; best practices posted by June 30, 2026 .