Bill · H.R. 3990· House(119-HR-3990)
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
- Introduced
- 6/12/2025
- Last activity
- 6/12/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Jimmy Panetta
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act aims to provide medical assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters or emergencies. Starting January 1, 2027, it mandates that states provide Medicaid to relief-eligible survivors during a designated relief coverage period. The bill defines disasters to include major disasters declared by the President, national emergencies, and public health emergencies. It establishes streamlined application processes and presumptive eligibility to ensure quick access to care. Additionally, the act offers options for extended mental health and home-based services for those in need. Finally, it provides for 100 percent federal matching for these medical expenses to support the states.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?+10
The bill mandates 100 percent federal matching for Medicaid services provided to disaster survivors.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
The bill provides critical medical assistance and financial protections for low-income disaster survivors.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+9
The bill streamlines application processes and provides presumptive eligibility for disaster-affected individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Rapid Access to Healthcare: The bill allows for "presumptive eligibility," which enables individuals to receive medical assistance quickly while their formal application is being processed (Section 2, SEC. 1949(c)(2)).
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Financial Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Relief-eligible survivors can have their income calculated by disregarding unemployment compensation and FEMA assistance, making it easier to qualify for help (Section 2, SEC. 1949(b)(5)(B)).
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Continuous Coverage for Pregnant Individuals: Pregnant individuals receiving assistance through this act are guaranteed continuous eligibility through the end of the month 60 days after the end of the pregnancy (Section 2, SEC. 1949(b)(5)(C)(ii)).
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Expanded Mental Health Support: States have the option to provide extended mental health and care coordination services, including coverage for medications and treatments for conditions exacerbated by a disaster (Section 2, SEC. 1949(d)(5)).
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Support for Home-Based Care: The bill allows states to provide home and community-based services to survivors who require them, including those who were receiving such services prior to the disaster (Section 2, SEC. 1949(d)(6)).
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Protection Against Late Enrollment Penalties: The act ensures that the disaster relief coverage period is excluded when computing Medicare Part B late enrollment periods (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk of Financial Recovery for Fraud: Individuals who make a false attestation in their application may be required to pay back the full cost of the medical assistance provided to them (Section 2, SEC. 1949(g)(1)).
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Temporary Nature of Assistance: Eligibility for relief-eligible survivors is limited to the specific "relief coverage period" of a disaster, which is defined as two years from the declaration date (Section 2, SEC. 1949(b)(4)).
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+8Good For Women+8Good For Children+7Good For Seniors+4
- Healthcare
- Increases Medicaid Funding+10Improves Healthcare Access+9Improves Mental Health Access+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+7Improves Poverty Reduction+5Reduces Homelessness+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- 8/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii