Blood Pressure MATTERS Act

Summary#

This bill would require Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) pregnancy-related coverage, employer group plans, and individual health insurance plans to cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices for people who are pregnant and for the 12 months after pregnancy. The covered device must be usable by the person to take their own blood pressure, be cleared by the FDA under section 510(k), and be listed on the American Medical Association’s validated device list. Coverage may not require a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder. The bill limits coverage to one device per person in a two-year period and bars cost sharing for these devices where the bill does so. It amends parts of the Social Security Act (Titles XIX and XXI), the Public Health Service Act (title XXVII), ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code. The bill was introduced in the House on May 7, 2026, and referred to relevant committees.

What it means for you#

  • If you are pregnant or within 12 months after pregnancy and have Medicaid, CHIP pregnancy-related assistance, or private group or individual coverage, this bill would require coverage of a home blood pressure monitor that meets the device rules.
  • Insurers and Medicaid programs could not require that you already have a high blood pressure diagnosis to get the monitor.
  • You would generally be eligible for one covered device every two years.
  • The device must be FDA 510(k)-cleared and appear on the AMA validated device listing.
  • The Medicaid and CHIP changes take effect for items and services furnished 120 days after the bill becomes law (with a limited delay if a State needs to change its laws). Private plan requirements apply to plan years beginning on or after 120 days after enactment.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on budgetary estimates, projected costs, or funding sources appears in the bill text or provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or provided metadata describes proponents' stated views or arguments.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text or provided metadata describes opponents' stated views or arguments.