Senate introduces bipartisan men's health bill

Senators Ruben Gallego and Roger Marshall introduced the State of Men's Health Act on July 22, moving bipartisan men's health legislation into both chambers of Congress. The bill would direct a federal study of men's health and create an Office of Men's Health at HHS, a step supporters say could lead to coordinated national action.

Why it matters: - Men in the U.S. still have shorter life expectancy than women. - Men also face higher death rates from heart disease, cancer, suicide, accidental injuries and substance use. - Supporters say the bill could create the first permanent federal office focused on men's health and give Washington a central hub for policy, research and prevention.

What happened: - Senators Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Ky., introduced the State of Men's Health Act in the Senate on July 22. - The Senate move follows a bipartisan House introduction earlier this year by Reps. Troy A. Carter, Sr., D-La., and Greg Murphy, M.D., R-N.C. - Men's Health Network called the Senate introduction a historic milestone for men's health policy.

The details: - The bill would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive study of men's health in the United States and report to Congress. - The legislation would establish an Office of Men's Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. - That office would coordinate federal efforts on men's health through research, education, prevention and public awareness. - HHS would also be required to send Congress recommendations to improve men's health outcomes through enhanced education, prevention, research and coordinated federal action. - Men's Health Network said it endorses the legislation alongside the American Medical Association, the American Urological Association and ZERO Prostate Cancer. - Ronald Henry, president of Men's Health Network, said too many American men are dying too young and that the impact reaches families, employers and communities. - The announcement included a link to the Senate bill document: the bill text.

Between the lines: - The bill reflects growing bipartisan agreement that men's health needs a dedicated federal strategy, not just scattered programs. - The Senate introduction also puts momentum behind the larger goal of creating a formal federal office, which has never existed in the U.S. - Support from major medical groups gives the legislation more credibility as Congress considers whether to act.

What's next: - Congress would need to advance the bill before the GAO study and HHS office could move forward. - If enacted, HHS would have to coordinate recommendations and federal action around men's health outcomes. - Men's Health Network said it plans to work with Congress, federal agencies, healthcare organizations and other partners to push the effort forward.