Restoring Essential Healthcare Act
Summary
The "Restoring Essential Healthcare Act" (H.R. 4796) aims to amend Public Law 119-21 by repealing the prohibition on Medicaid payments to certain entities. This bill seeks to reinstate Medicaid payments to healthcare providers that were previously restricted under the amended law. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 29, 2025.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the restoration of Medicaid funding to entities that were previously ineligible. This could lead to increased access to healthcare services for Medicaid recipients. It could also impact the financial stability of the affected healthcare providers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare services for Medicaid recipients.
- Financial stability for healthcare providers previously affected by the prohibition.
- Potentially improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
- Restoration of patient choice in selecting healthcare providers.
- Alignment with the goal of promoting general welfare as stated in the Constitution's preamble.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in Medicaid spending.
- Possibility of funding entities with questionable practices (depending on the criteria in Public Law 119-21).
- Risk of reduced oversight and accountability if the repealed section contained important safeguards.
- Possible unintended consequences if the original prohibition addressed specific issues.
- Potential for moral hazard if entities are shielded from accountability.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." By restoring healthcare access to vulnerable populations, the bill supports this principle. However, Congress's power to legislate on healthcare is generally derived from the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants it the power to regulate interstate commerce, and the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows it to enact laws necessary for executing its powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).