Bill · H.R. 10331· House(119-HR-10331)
Patient Navigation Assistance Act
- Introduced
- 9/10/2026
- Last activity
- 9/10/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Mark DeSaulnier
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Patient Navigation Assistance Act proposes to allow Medicaid to pay for patient navigator services. It requires states to reimburse eligible entities for these services when provided to individuals eligible for medical assistance under the state plan. To qualify, patient navigators must meet specific education, licensure, or certification requirements. These services include referrals and activities to help patients access medical, social, logistical, and financial programs.
Yes· 3 of 25
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
Directly benefits those eligible for Medicaid by providing funded navigation services.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+8
Directly aims to improve access to quality health care through professional patient navigation.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?+7
Expands the scope of Medicaid to cover and reimburse patient navigator services.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
Adding a new reimbursable service under Medicaid likely increases federal government spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill mandates Medicaid reimbursement for patient navigator services, increasing public expenditure.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
Increases mandatory spending through the Medicaid program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Support Services: Individuals eligible for medical assistance can receive help with referrals and activities to link them with medical, social, logistical, and financial programs to address their needs (Section 2(a)(4)(3)).
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Informed Decision-Making: Patient navigators provide individualized education and resources, which helps people make informed decisions and get timely access to quality health and psychosocial care (Section 2(a)(4)(2)(A)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Strict Qualification Requirements: Only individuals with specific degrees (such as nursing, social work, or health-related fields) or specific certifications can serve as patient navigators, which may limit the number of available navigators (Section 2(a)(4)(2)(A)(ii)).
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Limited Training Window: Certain approved training programs will no longer satisfy the requirements for patient navigators after three years from the date the provisions apply, potentially creating a barrier for those using that specific training path (Section 2(a)(4)(2)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+9Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For Children+3Good For L G B T Q Community+3Good For Men+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Women+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For White Americans+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Increases Medicaid Funding+7Improves Mental Health Access+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3Improves Racial Equity+3Reduces Homelessness+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Increase States Rights-1
- 9/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House