H.R. 10414 explained · 119th Congress · Pending in Congress
Community Health Worker Access Act
Cosponsors: 1 (1 D, 0 R) · per Congress.gov, 2026-10-14
Introduced: 2026-09-16
Latest action (2026-09-16): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What H.R. 10414 does, in plain terms
Community Health Worker Access Act This bill provides for coverage of community health services under Medicare. Community health services are services provided by a community health agency in accordance with an individual needs assessment, including preventive services (e.g., screenings) and services to address social determinants of health (e.g., educational home visits). Community health agencies include nonprofits, federally qualified health centers, and other organizations that employ health workers (in accordance with certain labor standards) who have lived experience in the communities served. The bill also allows state Medicaid programs to cover these services and provides for an increased Medicaid federal matching rate, also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), for these services.
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service, via Congress.gov.
Constitution Index
“VFA Constitution grade”
Significant constitutional concerns
Graded 2026-10-14
SI-generated grade · five published checks · not individually reviewed by a person · methodology
This bill raises significant constitutional concerns under the enumerated powers and decentralization checks. While it does not directly infringe individual rights, it expands federal authority into areas traditionally reserved to the states and individuals, and consolidates decision-making at the federal level beyond what is minimally necessary.
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✗ Concern · Enumerated powers
The bill authorizes federal coverage of community health services under Medicare and Medicaid, which falls under Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) to provide for the general welfare. However, the bill's provisions addressing 'social determinants of health' through educational home visits and other non-medical services stretch beyond the traditional scope of federal health … -
✓ Passes · Bill of Rights
The bill does not directly infringe any provision of the Bill of Rights. It imposes no restrictions on speech, religion, assembly, press, petition, arms, quartering, search and seizure, self-incrimination, due process, fair trial, jury, cruel and unusual punishment, or unenumerated rights. The services described are voluntary and do not compel participation or disclosure of protected information. -
✓ Passes · Individual sovereignty
The bill does not restrict what individuals may do with their own person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It creates optional federal programs for community health services, and individuals are not required to participate or accept services. The government has not imposed any restriction on individual freedom that would require a compelling justification. -
✗ Concern · Decentralization
The bill fails the decentralization test on multiple questions. First, individuals and families could handle many of these services (e.g., educational home visits, screenings) through private arrangements or local nonprofits without government involvement. Second, local communities and counties could manage these services without state involvement. Third, states could handle these services without… -
✓ Passes · Due process and takings
The bill does not bypass due process, presume guilt, or take property without just compensation. It creates voluntary programs and does not impose penalties, fines, or seizures. No procedural or substantive due process concerns arise, and the Takings Clause is not implicated.
Sources: Congress.gov: HR 10414 summary
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What should pass
“VFA SI Solution”
SI-generated · passed automated checks (Constitution citation, source verification, independent SI critic) · not individually reviewed by a person · Report an error: hello@valuesforamerica.com
Community Health Worker Pilot and Cost Control Act
Generated by VFA SI Solutions
The bill seeks to make it easier for people to get preventive care and practical local health support from trusted community health workers.
Bipartisan rationale: VFA assesses this draft honors Democratic priorities by expanding preventive care and support for trusted local health workers in underserved areas, and honors Republican priorities by adding clear cost caps, state choice, work standards, and a firm sunset with outside review before any extension.
Possible legislative path: In each chamber, support could come from members focused on prevention and rural and urban access, while opposition could come from members concerned about Medicare spending and federal control of health programs.
Source limits: The official summary does not give the full bill text, current Medicare or Medicaid eligibility rules, appeal rights, labor standards, cost effects, or vote outlook, so those facts remain unverified and readers should check the full bill text and current law at the official source before relying on them.
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