H.R. 8081: Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026
This bill, known as the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026, aims to enhance access to mental health services for individuals enrolled in the Medicare program. It proposes to amend existing legislation to increase the payment rates for psychologists who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries.
Key Provisions
- Increased Payment Rates: The bill specifies a change in how much Medicare pays psychologists. It raises the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the fee schedule amount for services rendered by psychologists. This adjustment applies to two specific areas outlined in existing Medicare law.
- Implementation Date: The changes proposed in this bill will take effect for services provided starting January 1, 2027.
Impact on Medicare Recipients
The revised payment rates may make it more appealing for psychologists to accept Medicare beneficiaries as clients. This could potentially improve access to mental health care services for individuals over the age of 65 or those who qualify for Medicare due to disability.
Intended Goals
- To reduce the financial barriers for mental health providers, encouraging them to accept more Medicare patients.
- To increase the availability of mental health services for seniors and other eligible individuals under the Medicare program.
Relevant Companies
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Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 25, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| Mar. 25, 2026 | Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
Corporate Lobbying
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Potentially Relevant Congressional Stock Trades
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