What does Preamble of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services in order to provide information and referral to all individuals in the United States for health and human services needs, and for other purposes,' aims to improve access to 211 services. The bill intends to coordinate 211 services across the United States. The stated purpose is to provide information and referral services for health and human services needs to individuals in the United States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Human-Services Emergency Logistics Program Act of 2026

What does STRENGTHENING NATIONWIDE ACCESSIBILITY AND COORDINATION OF 211 of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program within the Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services. The program aims to increase the capacity of 211 services in each state, ensuring direct accessibility for all individuals. Coordination between 211, 988, and 911 service providers is another goal of the program. The Secretary will select an administering agency to assist in implementing the program. Funding for grants to qualified 211 service entities in each state will be determined by the Secretary, using funds from section 6. The formula for determining grant amounts will be based on population, population density, poverty rate, and other evidence-based predictive data related to health and human service needs and access.

What does ADMINISTERING AGENCY. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the requirements for an administering agency responsible for overseeing 211 services. Eligible administering agencies must be 501(c) organizations with experience working with 211 service providers, established relationships with local organizations, and experience in disaster response and Federal grants management. The administering agency's duties include advising the Secretary on State allotments, determining funding for qualified 211 service entities, and increasing coordination among 211, 911, and 988 service providers. The agency must also develop and implement a public awareness campaign to educate the public about 211 services. The administering agency may use funds to support shared data platforms for 211 resource and service data. Entities seeking to be selected as the administering agency must submit an application detailing how they will ensure access to 211 services and meet related goals. The agency is required to conduct an evaluation of the 211 network and submit reports to the Secretary, beginning in calendar year 2026. The evaluation must address barriers to access, effectiveness of services, collaborations, database comprehensiveness, public awareness, and user satisfaction.

What does GRANTS TO 211 SERVICE ENTITIES TO INCREASE CAPACITY. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes grants to qualified 211 service entities in states to expand the availability and accessibility of 211 services. Funds can be used for various purposes including operating contact centers, increasing public awareness, coordinating services, planning, ensuring accessibility under disability laws, and extending services to unserved areas. Eligible uses of funds also include administrative costs, infrastructure development, evaluation of service provider activities, coordination with other service providers, reporting, and supporting service delivery innovations. State allocations are generally awarded to eligible State 211 networks. However, if no such network exists, grants are awarded directly to eligible 211 service providers in the state. Grant recipients must demonstrate the ability to provide 211 services and ensure equitable geographic distribution, particularly to rural communities. Recipients must adhere to standards like Inform USA and collaborate with organizations providing health and human services to maintain comprehensive databases. Recipients are required to provide matching funds, equal to at least 25 percent of the funds received, from non-Federal sources.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used in the Act, including '211 service', 'eligible 211 service provider', and 'qualified 211 service entity'. The '211 service' provides individuals with information and referrals for health and human services. An 'eligible 211 service provider' must be a nonprofit or governmental entity with the capability to provide services at no charge to the consumer. A 'qualified 211 service entity' includes an eligible State 211 network or an eligible 211 service provider in certain States. The section also defines 'health and human services' as services that assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient and support personal and social development.

What does FUNDING. of HELP Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 each fiscal year from 2026 through 2032 to carry out the Act. The funds are to remain available until expended. The Secretary may reserve up to 10 percent of the annual appropriation for administrative and coordinating activities by the administering agency, including expenditures referenced in section 4(d).

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HELP Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/27/2026 · Introduced: 4/27/2026

Author: Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Department of Health and Human Services program to strengthen and coordinate 211 services nationwide, aiming to improve access to health and human services information and referrals.
The bill authorizes grants to qualified 211 service entities in each state to expand service capacity, with funding formulas based on population, poverty rates, and other needs-related data.
To administer the program, the bill requires the selection of an eligible agency with experience in 211 services, disaster response, and federal grants management, which will also conduct evaluations of the 211 network.
Grant recipients are required to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources and adhere to standards like Inform USA to ensure comprehensive and equitable service delivery, particularly in rural areas.
The bill authorizes $250,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2032 to fund the program, with a portion reserved for administrative activities by the administering agency.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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