A New Dawn for Epilepsy Care: Senate Unanimously Passes Historic National Plan

Washington D.C. – August 11, 2026 – In a landmark legislative victory poised to transform the landscape of epilepsy care and research in the United States, the U.S. Senate on August 4, 2026, unanimously passed the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494). The unanimous vote, a testament to robust bipartisan collaboration, has been widely celebrated by patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and researchers as a historic step towards establishing a coordinated national strategy to address the complex challenges faced by millions of Americans living with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Alliance America, a leading voice in the epilepsy community, hailed the passage as a culmination of years of tireless advocacy. The legislation aims to improve epilepsy care, significantly advance research efforts, reduce epilepsy-related deaths, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by the condition nationwide. This pivotal moment signals a growing recognition within the highest levels of government that epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting an estimated 3.4 million Americans, warrants a comprehensive, unified federal response.

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Main Facts: A Landmark Achievement

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494), passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate on August 4, 2026, represents a monumental stride forward for the epilepsy community. The unanimous vote underscores a rare consensus across the political spectrum regarding the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy to combat this pervasive neurological disorder.

At its core, the Act mandates the federal government to establish a comprehensive plan that will systematically review existing epilepsy programs, identify critical gaps in services and outcomes, and develop actionable recommendations to address unmet needs. The proposed National Plan is designed to focus on several crucial pillars: enhancing research initiatives, improving diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, optimizing treatment protocols, increasing public awareness to combat stigma, implementing robust mortality prevention strategies (including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, or SUDEP), and fundamentally improving the overall quality of life for those affected.

Epilepsy Alliance America has been at the forefront of this legislative push, expressing profound gratitude for the Senate’s decisive action. The organization emphasizes that this legislation is not merely about managing seizures, but about dismantling the myriad barriers—from access to specialized care and financial burdens to pervasive social stigma—that often accompany an epilepsy diagnosis. The Act promises to usher in an era of thoughtful, comprehensive, and collaborative strategies, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience remain central to its implementation.

The Journey to Legislation: A Chronology of Collaborative Effort

The passage of S. 494 is not an overnight success but the result of a protracted, dedicated campaign spanning many years. It stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of a diverse coalition united by a common cause.

Years of Persistent Advocacy Pave the Way

For over a decade, the call for a national epilepsy strategy has resonated from every corner of the country. This progress reflects years of dedicated advocacy from an expansive network of stakeholders. People living with epilepsy, their family members, and caregivers have shared deeply personal stories, illustrating the daily struggles and systemic challenges they face. These narratives have been amplified by healthcare professionals—neurologists, epileptologists, nurses, and therapists—who witness firsthand the limitations of current care models. Researchers, tirelessly working to unravel the complexities of the brain, have underscored the critical need for increased funding and coordinated scientific endeavors.

Epilepsy organizations across the country have played a pivotal role, mobilizing their networks, coordinating efforts, and providing a unified platform for the community’s voice. This grassroots advocacy has been the lifeblood of the movement, characterized by countless meetings with elected officials, signing of support letters, participation in awareness campaigns, and relentless communication about the urgent need for a national response. Advocates have tirelessly illuminated the often-invisible burdens of epilepsy, extending beyond seizures to encompass educational disparities, employment discrimination, mental health challenges, and the constant fear of the next seizure.

Legislative Milestones in the Senate

The legislative journey for the National Plan for Epilepsy Act gained significant momentum throughout the current congressional session. A key milestone occurred on July 22, 2026, when the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved a crucial Manager’s Amendment to the bill. This amendment, a common legislative tool, served to refine and strengthen the bill’s framework while meticulously preserving its core purpose. It ensured that the legislation would be robust enough to withstand scrutiny and effective enough to deliver meaningful change, demonstrating a thorough legislative process and a commitment to crafting impactful policy.

The culmination of these efforts arrived on August 4, 2026, with the historic unanimous passage of S. 494 by the full Senate. This extraordinary show of unity underscored the non-partisan nature of the issue and the compelling evidence presented by advocates. Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar were lauded for their exceptional bipartisan leadership, steering the bill through committee and onto the Senate floor. Their collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy were instrumental in garnering the widespread support necessary for such a definitive vote. Their actions exemplify how political differences can be set aside for the greater good, particularly when addressing critical public health needs.

The Road Ahead: Securing House Passage

While the Senate’s action marks a monumental achievement, the work is far from over. The National Plan for Epilepsy Act now moves to the House of Representatives, where it must secure passage before the end of the current congressional term to be signed into law. Epilepsy Alliance America and its partners are now redoubling their efforts, focusing on building strong support within the House.

Congressional champions, including Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-3), are already actively engaged in this crucial next phase. Their commitment will be vital in educating their colleagues about the bill’s profound importance and rallying the necessary votes. The urgency to act before the legislative calendar concludes cannot be overstated, as failure to pass the bill in the House would necessitate restarting the entire legislative process in a new session. The community’s focus has now shifted squarely to the House, with a renewed push for immediate action.

Understanding the Scope: Supporting Data and the Vision of the Act

The need for a national plan for epilepsy is not merely a matter of advocacy but is grounded in compelling public health data and the stark realities faced by millions of individuals and families. The Act is designed to address systemic deficiencies and bring about comprehensive improvements.

The Unmet Needs: Why a National Plan is Crucial

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions globally, affecting approximately 3.4 million people in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 26 Americans developing epilepsy at some point in their lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Beyond the sheer numbers, the impact of epilepsy extends far beyond the seizure itself, creating a complex web of challenges that often go unaddressed.

Barriers to Care: Many individuals struggle to access specialized neurological care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The scarcity of epileptologists and specialized epilepsy centers means that diagnoses can be delayed, and optimal treatment plans may not be readily available. This leads to preventable complications and prolonged periods of uncontrolled seizures.

Stigma and Discrimination: Epilepsy is frequently misunderstood, leading to pervasive social stigma. This stigma can manifest as discrimination in employment, education, and social settings, isolating individuals and impacting their mental health. Many people with epilepsy report hiding their condition due to fear of judgment or rejection.

Financial Burdens: The cost of epilepsy care, including medications, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and potential surgical interventions, can be exorbitant. Even with insurance, co-pays and deductibles can create significant financial strain, pushing families into debt. The economic burden of epilepsy in the U.S. is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually, encompassing direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity.

Safety Concerns: Living with unpredictable seizures poses inherent safety risks, from falls and injuries to drowning. This necessitates constant vigilance and can severely restrict independence and quality of life.

Mortality Risk: Epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of premature death, particularly from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is a tragic and often underestimated complication, accounting for thousands of deaths annually. Despite its prevalence, awareness of SUDEP among both the public and healthcare providers remains low.

Comorbid Conditions: Epilepsy frequently co-occurs with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and migraines, which further complicate management and diminish quality of life. These comorbidities often receive insufficient attention within existing care models.

The current approach to epilepsy care and research in the U.S. is often fragmented, with initiatives scattered across various federal agencies, state programs, and private organizations. This lack of coordination leads to redundancies in some areas and critical gaps in others, hindering progress and inefficiently utilizing resources. A national plan is crucial to unify these efforts, ensuring a strategic and impactful approach.

A Framework for Comprehensive Action

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directly addresses these unmet needs by establishing a robust framework for comprehensive action. The legislation mandates several key steps:

Review of Existing Programs: The federal government will be required to conduct a thorough review of all current epilepsy-related programs and activities across various agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the CDC, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This audit will provide a baseline understanding of the current landscape.
Identification of Gaps: Following the review, the government must identify significant gaps in services, research, awareness, and outcomes for individuals with epilepsy. This includes pinpointing areas where disparities exist, such as access to care for specific demographic groups or geographical regions.
Development of Recommendations: Based on the identified gaps, a comprehensive set of recommendations will be developed to address these unmet needs. These recommendations will form the core of the National Plan for Epilepsy, outlining concrete actions, policy changes, and resource allocations.

The National Plan itself will be structured around several critical focus areas:

Research: Accelerating groundbreaking research into the causes, mechanisms, prevention, and cure of epilepsy, as well as improving diagnostics and treatments.
Diagnosis: Enhancing early and accurate diagnosis through improved training for healthcare providers and increased access to diagnostic tools.
Treatment: Ensuring access to optimal, personalized treatment options, including pharmacotherapy, dietary therapies, neurostimulation, and surgery, and addressing treatment disparities.
Awareness: Launching public health campaigns to increase understanding of epilepsy, reduce stigma, and educate communities on seizure first aid.
Mortality Prevention: Developing and implementing strategies to reduce epilepsy-related deaths, particularly SUDEP, through increased awareness, risk factor identification, and monitoring technologies.
Quality of Life: Addressing the broader impacts of epilepsy on mental health, education, employment, and social integration to improve overall well-being.

Crucially, the Act ensures "ongoing input from people with lived experience, healthcare providers, researchers, advocates, and federal agencies." This commitment to a patient-centered approach guarantees that the strategies developed are truly reflective of the community’s needs and informed by those directly impacted by the condition.

The Epilepsy Community Consensus Priorities

Earlier this year, the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee, which includes Epilepsy Alliance America Board member Amanda Mitchell, MPH, drafted The Epilepsy Community Consensus Priorities. These priorities served as a foundational document, articulating the collective needs and aspirations of the epilepsy community. While not explicitly detailed in the initial news release, such a consensus document typically outlines critical areas such as:

Increased federal funding for epilepsy research, particularly for refractory epilepsy, SUDEP, and comorbid conditions.
Expansion of specialized epilepsy centers and improved access to epileptologists.
National public education campaigns to destigmatize epilepsy and improve seizure first aid knowledge.
Development of standardized data collection and surveillance systems for epilepsy.
Integration of mental health services into comprehensive epilepsy care.
Support for initiatives that address the social and economic determinants of health for people with epilepsy.
Promotion of telehealth and other innovative care delivery models to overcome geographical barriers.

The passage of S. 494 provides the legislative mandate to translate these consensus priorities into concrete federal action, ensuring that the government’s response is both comprehensive and directly responsive to the community’s most pressing concerns.

Voices of Leadership: Official Responses and Community Reaction

The unanimous Senate vote has ignited a wave of optimism and renewed determination within the epilepsy community, with key leaders articulating both the profound significance of this achievement and the critical work that remains.

Epilepsy Alliance America Hails Senate Action

Liza Gundell, Board Chair of Epilepsy Alliance America, expressed the organization’s immense gratitude and underscored the broader implications of the Senate’s decision. "We are grateful to Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy," Gundell stated. "The Senate’s unanimous support demonstrates a growing recognition that epilepsy deserves a coordinated national response. For too many individuals and families, epilepsy brings challenges that extend far beyond seizures, including barriers to care, stigma, financial burdens, and concerns about safety and quality of life. A National Plan for Epilepsy will help ensure that these challenges are addressed through a thoughtful, comprehensive, and collaborative strategy." Her words highlighted not only the legislative success but also the fundamental shift in how epilepsy is being perceived at a national level—from an individual medical condition to a public health priority requiring strategic governmental intervention.

Echoing this sentiment, Lisa Gallipoli, Executive Director, Epilepsy Alliance America, delivered a powerful message of both celebration and resolve. "The passage by the Senate of the National Plan for Epilepsy is a great achievement; but our work is not done!," Gallipoli emphasized, her words resonating with the urgency of the next legislative hurdle. "Epilepsy Alliance America is proud to be part of the greater epilepsy community, speaking and acting in one shared voice, about the National Plan for Epilepsy. We will continue to mobilize our network to ensure that the House of Representatives follows the lead of the Senate before the end of the Congressional term." Her statement serves as a rallying cry, acknowledging the victory while firmly setting sights on the final legislative sprint.

The deeply personal connection to this advocacy was articulated by Amanda Mitchell, MPH, an Epilepsy Alliance America Board member and member of the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee. "As the parent of a child with epilepsy, advocating for the National Plan for Epilepsy is deeply personal to me. I know just how desperately our community needs the investments in comprehensive research, effective treatments, improved access to care, and increased support," Mitchell shared. Her experience as a parent infuses the legislative effort with profound human resonance, illustrating the real-world impact of the bill. "It has been a privilege to add my voice to those in the epilepsy community who have pushed for this change for many years. I look forward to continuing to support this work until the plan is enacted into law, and we see its benefits for the millions of Americans living with epilepsy." Her testimony underscores the long-standing nature of the advocacy and the unwavering commitment to seeing the plan’s full potential realized.

Echoes from Capitol Hill

While direct quotes from Senators Schmitt and Klobuchar were not immediately provided in the initial announcement, their bipartisan leadership speaks volumes. The unanimous vote itself is a strong indicator of their effective collaboration and ability to build consensus across party lines. Such broad support for a health initiative is rare in the current political climate, highlighting the compelling case made by advocates and the recognized public health need. Their actions demonstrate a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the epilepsy community and a commitment to enacting meaningful change. Similarly, the early engagement of Representatives Jim Costa and Greg Murphy, M.D., signals promising bipartisan support in the House, crucial for navigating the bill through its next legislative phase. Their proactive stance provides a hopeful outlook for the bill’s ultimate passage.

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy

The consistent message from Epilepsy Alliance America leadership emphasizes that this legislative triumph is fundamentally a victory for grassroots advocacy. The Senate’s advancement of S. 494 is a "testament to the power of grassroots advocacy" because it was fueled by the collective efforts of "thousands of advocates across the country." These advocates, often individuals directly affected by epilepsy or their loved ones, engaged in myriad forms of political participation: sharing personal stories that put a human face on the statistics, contacting elected officials directly through calls and letters, participating in virtual and in-person meetings with congressional staff, signing crucial support letters, and consistently raising awareness through social media and community events. Their persistent, heartfelt appeals transformed abstract policy discussions into urgent human imperatives, ultimately swaying lawmakers and demonstrating the undeniable strength of a unified community voice.

Implications and the Path Forward

The passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act by the Senate carries profound implications for the future of epilepsy care and research in the United States, promising a transformative shift in how the nation addresses this complex neurological condition.

Transforming the Landscape of Epilepsy Care

Should the Act be signed into law, its long-term impact is expected to be far-reaching:

Standardization of Care: The national plan could lead to the development of national guidelines and best practices for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a more consistent and higher quality of care across all regions.
Accelerated Research Breakthroughs: A coordinated federal research strategy, coupled with potentially increased funding, could accelerate the discovery of new diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure for epilepsy. It could also foster greater collaboration among research institutions.
Improved Public Awareness and Reduced Stigma: Dedicated federal awareness campaigns could significantly improve public understanding of epilepsy, dismantle misconceptions, and reduce the pervasive stigma that often isolates individuals with the condition. This could lead to earlier intervention and greater social inclusion.
Better Mortality Prevention Strategies: Enhanced focus on mortality prevention, particularly SUDEP, could lead to better risk assessment tools, increased patient and provider education, and the development of monitoring technologies that save lives.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing not just seizures but the broader social, psychological, and economic impacts of epilepsy, the plan aims to significantly improve the overall well-being, independence, and participation of individuals in their communities.
More Equitable Access to Services: The identification of gaps in services will directly inform strategies to improve access to specialized care, medications, and support services for underserved populations, including those in rural areas or from minority groups.
Data-Driven Policy Making: The mandate for federal review and data collection will provide a robust evidence base for future policy decisions, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively where they are most needed.

A Call to Continued Action

Despite the significant momentum generated by the Senate’s unanimous vote, Epilepsy Alliance America is resolute in its message: "Momentum is building, but our work is not finished." The critical next step is to secure passage in the House of Representatives. This requires a sustained and invigorated effort from the entire epilepsy community.

Epilepsy Alliance America is urging every individual touched by epilepsy—patients, family members, caregivers, friends, and advocates—to contact their U.S. Representative immediately. The call to action is clear: ask them to cosponsor and actively support the National Plan for Epilepsy Act. Cosponsorship is a powerful signal of support that helps to build momentum and demonstrate broad backing for the legislation. Every phone call, email, and meeting with a congressional office adds weight to the collective voice, reinforcing the urgency and importance of the bill. The organization has provided direct tools to facilitate this action, streamlining the process for individuals to make their voices heard.

A Unified Vision for a Seizure-Free Future

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act represents more than just a piece of legislation; it embodies a unified vision for a future where epilepsy is no longer a condition shrouded in misunderstanding and fragmented care. It is a vision where research is robustly funded, diagnoses are swift and accurate, treatments are personalized and accessible, and individuals with epilepsy can live full, thriving lives free from stigma and unnecessary burdens.

The Senate’s unanimous vote has illuminated a path forward, demonstrating that collaboration, perseverance, and the power of personal stories can indeed lead to monumental change. As the bill now moves to the House, the epilepsy community stands united, ready to continue its advocacy until this historic plan is enacted into law, bringing hope and tangible improvements to millions across the nation.