HR2678-119

What This Bill Does

Ellie's Law responds to the prevalence and mortality of brain aneurysms. The findings cite an estimated 6.8 million people in the United States with an unruptured brain aneurysm, about 30,000 ruptures each year, roughly 50 percent fatality among ruptures, permanent neurological deficits for about 66 percent of survivors, higher occurrence among women, and higher rupture rates among African Americans and Hispanics. It names several people who died from ruptured aneurysms and notes direct pre-insurance costs of about $2 billion annually with median expected patient payment of $114,000. The operative section authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for NINDS to conduct or support comprehensive research on unruptured intracranial aneurysms in broader patient populations diversified by age, sex, and race, with funds supplementing rather than replacing other aneurysm research funding.

Who Benefits and How

People with unruptured brain aneurysms benefit because the bill funds research aimed at better risk prediction, management, and treatment. Brain aneurysm survivors benefit from research focused on broader patient populations and long-term neurological outcomes. Women, African American patients, and Hispanic patients benefit because the bill calls for diversified research populations reflecting elevated occurrence or rupture risk. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke benefits from a dedicated authorization for aneurysm research through 2030.

Who Bears the Burden and How

NINDS must conduct or support expanded research and ensure new funds supplement rather than supplant existing brain aneurysm research. Appropriators must decide whether to provide the authorized $20 million per year for five fiscal years. Federal taxpayers bear the cost of any appropriated research funding. Research institutions receiving funds must recruit broader patient populations and meet federal grant and study requirements.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes $20 million per year for unruptured intracranial aneurysm research from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Requires research to study broader patient populations diversified by age, sex, and race.
• Provides that authorized funds remain available through September 30, 2033.
• Requires new funds to supplement, not supplant, other brain aneurysm research funding.