The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2026 renews federal funding for the Healthy Start Initiative, a program that works to reduce infant and maternal mortality in communities with high rates of poor birth outcomes. The bill updates the authorized funding under the Public Health Service Act, setting the amount at $145,250,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, replacing the prior authorization of $145,000,000 per year that covered fiscal years 2026 through 2030. This is essentially a continuation of the existing program at close to the same funding level, extended one year further into the future. The initiative primarily serves pregnant women, infants, and families in communities identified as having elevated infant mortality rates. No new eligibility rules, program requirements, or oversight provisions are added by this bill.
Congressional Summary
Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2026This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 the Healthy Start program, which is administered by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau within the Health Resources and Services Administration. This program provides grants and other support for communities experiencing high rates of infant mortality and adverse maternal health outcomes, including support for case management, medical care, and health education. (For additional information on the Healthy Start program see CRS Insight IN12550.)
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-06-22
- Date Added
- 2026-07-14
- Source
- Congress.gov →
Like reading a bill in plain English?
We're building an app that does this for every bill in Congress and lets you tell your reps how you want them to vote. We're a small team getting ready to launch, and we're trying to show investors that real people want this. Be one of them. Help us get it built. Leave your email and we'll tell you the moment the app is ready.