HELP Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a nationwide federal program to expand and coordinate 211 health and human services information lines. This bill would expand access, connect 211 with 988 and 911, and boost public awareness so every person in each state can reach 211.
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- Families and individuals: Easier access to local health and human services information through expanded 211 capacity and outreach.
- People using crisis and emergency services: Requires increased coordination between 211, the 988 mental health crisis line, and 911 to improve referrals and response.
- 211 providers and local networks: Authorizes grants for service delivery, outreach, databases, accessibility, startup costs, and requires at least 25% nonfederal matching funds.
- States, territories, and tribal communities: Grants would be allotted by a formula using population, density, poverty, and other evidence based data and can fund unserved areas.
*Would authorize $250.0 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2032, with up to 10% reserved for administration, increasing federal outlays over that period.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More 211 access and coordination
If enacted, HHS would create a program to expand and coordinate 211 health and human services referrals nationwide. The Secretary would designate one nonprofit administering agency to run grants and outreach; applicants would need 501(c) status and must reapply at least every 10 years. The Secretary would allot grant money to States using a formula that considers population, population density, and poverty rate, and grants would boost 211 capacity and coordination with 988 and 911. The administering agency would hire an independent evaluator beginning in 2026, do evaluations at least every five years, and send annual State-level reports on funded activities and referral outcomes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3]
KY • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
NY • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]
OH • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10]
FL • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
NY • D
Sponsored 4/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov