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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

House Bill Would End States' Power to Claw Back Medicaid Costs From Families' Estates

Also known as: Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(6)
Medicaid
Helps
Retiree
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps
Homeowner
Helps
Housing Assistance
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would end the rule that states must try to collect Medicaid costs from a person’s estate after they die.
  • States would be banned from starting, continuing, or collecting payments for Medicaid costs that were correctly paid for someone.
  • Within 90 days, states would have to remove certain Medicaid-related property liens already in place and tell families in writing.
  • This could make it easier for some low-income families to pass down a home or savings without a Medicaid repayment claim showing up later.
Medicare MedicaidConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 6, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Jan 6, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

On the date the bill is enacted

States stop starting or collecting Medicaid estate recovery for correctly paid benefits

Families would no longer face new Medicaid payback claims against an estate for care Medicaid properly covered (once the law takes effect).

Related News

4 articles
New York Times·almost 2 years ago

When Medicaid Comes After the Family Home

The article examines the 'cruel' federal mandate requiring states to recover Medicaid costs from the estates of deceased recipients. It highlights Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act as the primary legislative effort to repeal this practice and protect family homes.

CL~
Becker's Hospital Review·almost 2 years ago

Medicaid fund recovery practice under fire

Discusses the reintroduction of the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act by Rep. Jan Schakowsky. It notes that the current recovery program recoups less than 1% of Medicaid's long-term care expenditures while causing significant financial distress for low-income families.

C=
MedPage Today·almost 2 years ago

Pro-Life Groups Want IVF Regulated; Private Equity Eyes Autism; Medicaid Takes Homes

This news summary highlights the reintroduction of the Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act. It quotes Rep. Schakowsky stating that Medicaid is the only public benefit program requiring states to seek repayment, often resulting in the seizure of family homes.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act

Bill NumberHR 6951
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(19)
D: 19

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.