This bill makes it easier for states to help people with sickle cell disease get better coordinated medical care through Medicaid. Right now, states can set up special programs called "health homes" for people with certain chronic conditions, but sickle cell disease isn't specifically included. This bill adds sickle cell disease to that list, so states can now create dedicated care programs for these patients. The key requirement is that these programs must include dental and vision care along with regular medical treatment—recognizing that sickle cell disease affects multiple parts of the body and people need comprehensive support. To help states do this effectively, the federal government's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will develop and share best practices, essentially creating a how-to guide so states know the most effective ways to set up and run these health homes. This means people with sickle cell disease in states that participate will have an easier time getting all their healthcare needs coordinated in one place rather than bouncing between different doctors and specialists.

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

Dunn, Neal P.

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care ActThis bill allows state Medicaid programs to establish health homes to provide coordinated care for individuals with sickle-cell disease. (Under current law, state Medicaid programs may establish health homes to provide coordinated care for individuals with specified chronic conditions.) States must ensure that such care includes dental and vision services.The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must issue best practices for states on how to design and implement such health homes.