Bill · S. 5231· Senate(119-S-5231)
Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act
- Introduced
- 8/4/2026
- Last activity
- 8/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act aims to remove specific limitations on health benefits for people in custody while they await the disposition of their charges. It targets current restrictions within Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and Department of Veterans Affairs programs. The bill modifies the Social Security Act to ensure coverage continues for these individuals during their pretrial period. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update regulations regarding veteran eligibility. These changes are scheduled to take effect shortly after enactment, with some provisions starting immediately for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+5
The bill expands Medicare eligibility for items or services for individuals in custody pending disposition of charges.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?+5
The bill ensures Medicaid coverage continues for individuals in custody pending disposition of charges.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
The bill directs the VA to ensure veterans in custody pending disposition of charges are eligible for health care benefits.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Medicaid Coverage: The bill removes the exclusion for individuals in custody pending disposition of charges, which allows for continued medical assistance during this time (Section 2(a)).
-
Medicare Coverage: It expands the inclusion of items or services furnished to individuals who are currently in custody while awaiting the disposition of their charges (Section 2(b)).
-
CHIP Coverage: The bill ensures that children who are inmates of a public institution are not excluded from coverage while they are in custody pending disposition of charges (Section 2(c)(1)).
-
Veterans Health Care: It requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modify regulations so that veterans in custody pending disposition of charges are no longer excluded from receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Improves Veterans Healthcare+5Increases Medicaid Funding+5Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Veterans+5Good For Low Income Households+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 8/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts