H.R. 7602 — State of Men’s Health Act

This section states 18 congressional findings on men's health disparities, including men's higher risk of premature death from 9 of the top 10 causes; a lifespan gender gap of 5.9 years (73.2 years for men vs. 79.1 years for women); an age-adjusted death rate 1.4 times higher than women's; suicide at four times women's rate (nearly 80% of suicides); elevated cancer mortality (e.g., prostate cancer projected to affect 333,830 men in 2026 with 36,320 deaths; lung cancer 110,910 diagnoses and 63,040 deaths; colorectal cancer as third-leading cause of cancer deaths); diabetes affecting 18.9 million men (with men more likely to die); annual government costs exceeding $142 billion from premature death and morbidity; and the need to establish an Office of Men’s Health.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to complete a study on the state of men’s health in the United States, including territories, and submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. The report must (1) identify men’s health disparities; (2) describe current federal programs and activities that can be optimized to reduce such disparities and recommend additional ones; (3) identify federal coordination efforts on men’s health and ways to improve them; (4) identify health services offices and recommend combining or transitioning them into a men’s health office or designating leadership roles; (5) review programs to improve male engagement in health care; (6) assess federal research opportunities for men’s health investments; and (7) identify ways to increase public awareness of men’s health needs. No additional funds are authorized; costs are to be covered by existing appropriations.

This section establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Men’s Health not later than 18 months after the date of enactment, taking into consideration the results of the study required under section 3 of the State of Men’s Health Act. The office’s activities include (1) conducting, supporting, coordinating, and promoting programs to improve men’s health; (2) coordinating department programs related to men’s health, including public awareness, education, and screening with an emphasis on colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and mental health among men at increased risk; and (3) establishing and maintaining a database of best practices, clinical guidelines, clinical research, and funding opportunities related to men’s health. Not later than two years after establishment, the Secretary must submit to Congress a report on the office’s activities, findings regarding men’s health, and recommendations to improve men’s health outcomes. No additional funds are authorized for the office, which must be carried out using funds from other HHS appropriations, excluding any for the Office on Women’s Health or other women’s health offices.