Endometriosis CARE Act

Bill Summary: Endometriosis CARE Act (H.R. 6682)

Overview

The Endometriosis Coverage, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Act is a legislative proposal designed to address the systemic gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of endometriosis. Recognizing that endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease with no known cure, the bill seeks to increase federal funding for research, identify barriers to patient care, and improve public and professional education regarding the condition.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of the bill is to move endometriosis from a neglected health area to a prioritized public health concern. It aims to achieve this by:
* Funding scientific research to find a cure and improve treatment options.
* Identifying healthcare disparities, specifically those affecting minority and underserved populations.
* Reducing barriers to access, such as cost, insurance coverage, and provider shortages.
* Increasing awareness among both the general public and healthcare providers to reduce diagnostic delays.

Key Provisions

1. Research and Data Collection

The bill mandates the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct and support research into endometriosis.
* Objectives: Improving treatment options and developing a cure.
* Infrastructure: Establishment or expansion of an internet clearinghouse to catalog research and treatment data for patients and professionals.
* Funding: Authorizes $50 million per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.

2. Barriers to Care Analysis

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with analyzing why patients struggle to access treatment.
* Scope: The analysis will examine transportation issues, healthcare professional shortages, insurance gaps, and cost-sharing requirements.
* Data Sources: The Secretary may utilize data from Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private group health insurance plans.
* Timeline: A comprehensive report must be submitted to Congress and made public within two years of the bill's enactment.

3. Education and Public Awareness

The bill establishes programs to educate the public and medical community:
* Public Education: Focuses on prevalence and incidence, specifically for racial/ethnic minorities and underserved groups, as well as mental health support. ($2 million/year authorized 2026–2030).
* Provider Education: Disseminates evidence-based guidelines to health systems and professional societies to improve detection, diagnosis, and patient communication. ($2 million/year authorized 2026–2030).

4. National Academies Disparities Study

The bill requires HHS to partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a specialized study on disparities.
* Focus: Assessing how race, ethnicity, geography, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability status affect endometriosis outcomes.
* Funding: A one-time appropriation of $500,000.
* Timeline: Study must be completed within 24 months of enactment.

Who is Affected?

• Patients with Endometriosis: Particularly those in underserved or minority communities who face higher barriers to diagnosis and care.
• Healthcare Providers: Will receive updated, evidence-based resources for diagnosing and treating the disease.
• Federal Agencies: The NIH and HHS will take on new mandates for research, data collection, and public reporting.
• Insurance Providers: Group health plans and Medicaid programs may be required to provide data regarding patient access and costs.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: December 11, 2025
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.