WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Democratic lawmakers has reintroduced one of Congress’ most comprehensive health equity proposals, aiming to reduce longstanding health disparities and improve access to affordable, high-quality care for millions of Americans.

The Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2026 was introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), along with Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and House lawmakers Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), and Grace Meng (D-N.Y.). The legislation is backed by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Congressional Black Caucus, collectively known as the Congressional Tri-Caucus.

Lawmakers say the bill is designed to address persistent health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural residents, people with disabilities, and low-income communities by strengthening the nation’s healthcare system and removing barriers that often prevent people from receiving care.

Sen. Padilla said every American deserves affordable, culturally competent healthcare and argued that systemic inequities continue to leave many communities without access to essential services.

The legislation builds on previous federal health reforms, including the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, while proposing additional investments intended to improve health outcomes across the country.

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What the Health Equity and Accountability Act Would Do

The Health Equity and Accountability Act takes a broad approach to improving healthcare access. Among its proposals are expanding culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services, increasing the diversity of the healthcare workforce, reducing financial and administrative barriers to obtaining coverage, strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, improving maternal and behavioral health programs, investing in disease prevention, expanding telehealth services, and modernizing health data collection.

The bill also calls for greater investment in addressing social factors that influence health, including nutrition, environmental conditions, and community-based support programs that can improve long-term health outcomes.

Supporters say these changes would help communities that have historically experienced higher rates of chronic disease, lower access to preventive care, and poorer health outcomes.

Support for the Health Equity and Accountability Act

More than 40 national organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), UnidosUS, the American Kidney Fund, National Urban League, Families USA, National Health Law Program, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and many other organizations representing patients, healthcare providers, and community advocates.

Why this Matters

Many communities of color continue to experience higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers while often facing greater barriers to healthcare because of cost, language differences, provider shortages, and limited access to preventive services.

If enacted, supporters say the Health Equity and Accountability Act would strengthen efforts to close those gaps by investing in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to culturally responsive care, improving data collection on health disparities, and supporting programs that better meet the needs of underserved populations.

The bill faces the normal congressional process, including committee review and votes in both the House and Senate before it could become law.

Read the full text of the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026 and watch the complete press conference announcing the legislation below.