H.R. 6682 — Endometriosis CARE Act

This section states congressional findings on endometriosis, including that it involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain (especially during menstruation), pain during sex or bowel movements, infertility, and chronic inflammation that may lead to scar tissue; and that its cause is unknown, it cannot be prevented, it has no cure, and symptoms can be treated with medication or surgery.

This section establishes a new section 486C of the Public Health Service Act concerning endometriosis coverage, awareness, research, and education. Specifically, it (1) directs the NIH Director to conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research on endometriosis—including to improve treatments and develop a cure, and to establish or expand an internet clearinghouse—and authorizes $50 million for each of FY2026 through 2030; (2) requires the HHS Secretary to analyze barriers to accessing endometriosis treatments (e.g., transportation, provider shortages) using data from Medicaid, CHIP, and private health plans/insurance, with authority to require reporting from plans/issuers and states (ensuring privacy protections), and to submit a report to Congress within two years; (3) directs the Secretary to develop and disseminate public information on endometriosis awareness, prevalence (focusing on racial/ethnic minorities and underserved groups), mental health support, and treatment options, authorizing $2 million for each of FY2026 through 2030; (4) requires the Secretary, in consultation with health professional societies, to disseminate evidence-based information to providers and health systems on endometriosis detection, diagnosis, care, and patient communication, authorizing $2 million for each of FY2026 through 2030; and (5) directs the Secretary to enter an agreement within 90 days with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a study assessing endometriosis prevalence, detection, treatment, and outcome disparities by race, ethnicity, geography, primary language, sexual orientation, and other factors.