2026 midterm results create new opportunities in women’s health policy

Women’s health policy is expanding across the lifespan

Women’s health encompasses preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services across the lifespan. Although maternal and reproductive health remain important, policymakers are increasingly focused on (peri)menopause, cancer, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic conditions, respiratory health, mental health, and other conditions that affect women differently or disproportionately compared to men. Women experiencing these conditions often experience incorrect or delayed diagnoses.

The 120th Congress begins on January 3, 2027, with Democrats controlling the House and Senate. The new majority is expected to prioritize affordability and access, although a divided federal government may make oversight, appropriations, and targeted bipartisan legislation more viable than broad reform.

Business enterprises and any organizations planning product launches in 2027 and 2028 that aim to reach EVERY PATIENT POSSIBLE should monitor changes in committee leadership and oversight priorities, align evidence generation plans with emerging policy questions, and assess how potential coverage and affordability proposals could affect patient access.

Spotlight on breast cancer screening, care, and research

Advances in imaging, diagnostics, and risk assessment are improving breast cancer detection. However, patient access to diagnostic and supplemental imaging varies by insurance type and benefit design.

Most non-grandfathered private health plans cover recommended screening mammography without cost sharing. Updated federal guidelines also require many private plans to cover additional imaging and pathology needed to complete the screening process for average-risk patients. Nevertheless, gaps may remain for services outside the preventive screening pathway, high-risk patients, grandfathered plans, and public insurance programs.

When cost sharing applies, patients may delay or forgo recommended follow-up care. Delayed diagnostic resolution can contribute to later detection, potentially limiting treatment options and increasing costs.

Federal funding for breast cancer research primarily comes through the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, which was established in 1992, has since received more than $4.6 billion. The program engages scientists, clinicians, and consumer advocates in a two-tier review process, and BCRP-supported research has contributed to advances in treatments, imaging, and risk –assessment tools in its nearly 35-year history. The program is funded through Department of Defense appropriations, so stakeholders should monitor negotiations in FY 2027 and beyond.

Menopause is gaining federal attention

A September 2026 Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing examined gaps in menopause research, clinician training, patient information, and access to evidence-based care. The discussion signaled that federal lawmakers are extending their women’s health agenda beyond maternal and reproductive health.

At the hearing, lawmakers in both parties voiced support for:

• Strengthening medical education and provider capacity
• Expanding access to evidence-based treatments
• Addressing misinformation and improving patient education
• Supporting rural and underserved populations
• Considering workplace policies for disruptive symptoms

Although Congressional leadership and committee agendas will change in 2027, bipartisan interest may provide a foundation for continued attention to menopause care.

Organizations developing menopause-related therapies, diagnostics, digital tools, or care models should demonstrate their clinical, economic, and societal value. They should also assess coverage, coding, reimbursement, workforce capacity, and the priorities of patients, providers, payers, employers, and policymakers.

States will shape maternal health policy

States will remain central to efforts addressing maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal mental health. Governors, Medicaid agencies, insurance regulators, and legislatures can affect access through coverage standards, payment policies, workforce requirements, and investments in maternal health infrastructure.

Key areas to monitor include postpartum Medicaid coverage, maternal mental health services, rural maternity care, telehealth, provider capacity, and access to midwives and doulas. Because state priorities and implementation pathways vary, organizations should assess both state-specific opportunities and the operational effects of an increasingly fragmented policy environment.

What life sciences and healthcare organizations should watch

The Women’s Health Initiative at Avalere Health can strategically position clients in four areas as the women’s health landscape evolves:

1. Advancing evidence-based policy for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and care models
2. Assessing state policy on maternal health, screening access, insurance coverage, and workforce issues
3. Navigating federal pathways involving FDA regulation, CMS coverage and payment, and NIH research priorities
4. Monitoring Congressional activity, including legislative analysis, appropriations, oversight, and hearings

Connect with us for tailored evidence and insights to inform strategic planning, market research, policy engagement, and commercialization decisions.

Lily Arnold also contributed to this article.