Summary#
This bill would create a grant program at the Health Resources and Services Administration to pay for new mobile cancer screening units. Eligible organizations (for example, nonprofit hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, academic health centers, health systems, or collaborations of those groups) could receive awards up to $2,000,000. Award money may be used to buy vehicles, imaging equipment, digital tools, and other startup or operational costs the Secretary approves. The Secretary must prioritize applicants likely to reduce screening gaps and deaths, applicants serving rural areas and areas served by the Indian Health Service, and applicants that can arrange follow-up care within 90 minutes by ground transportation. Award recipients must provide at least $1 from non-Federal sources for every $3 of Federal money. The Secretary must report to Congress within four years on how many patients were screened, impacts on detection and outcomes, and other program information. The bill authorizes $15,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031.
What it means for you#
- If you live in a rural or underserved area, this bill aims to increase local access to cancer screening by funding mobile units that visit communities.
- Health organizations listed as eligible could apply for grants to buy and operate mobile screening vans and equipment.
- Applicants must meet matching-fund rules and follow-up care requirements to receive priority.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $15,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027–2031.
- Individual awards may not exceed $2,000,000.
- Awardees must provide at least $1 in non-Federal matching funds for every $3 of Federal award funds.
- Authorized uses include purchasing vehicles, imaging technology, digital tools, and other start-up or operational costs the Secretary deems essential.
- No publicly available information on administrative costs or total program outlays beyond the authorization in the bill text.
Proponents' View#
- The bill’s findings state that mobile cancer screening units have proven effective at increasing access to essential screenings and that many cancers are not found early.
- The findings include statistics about cancer diagnoses, lung cancer deaths, low lung cancer screening rates, and the share of cancers detected at an early stage; these points are presented to support expanding mobile screening to reach underserved and high-risk populations.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.