HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2023

HR 5510, the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2023, requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover the first three primary care visits each year at 100% without cost-sharing for beneficiaries. This applies to both Medicare Part B (including Medicare Advantage plans) and Medicaid starting in 2024, directly affecting seniors and low-income individuals seeking mental health or general primary care. The bill defines "primary care visit" to include outpatient behavioral health services, nonspecialty medical care, and care coordination for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of physical or mental health conditions. This policy change removes financial barriers for initial mental health or primary care appointments under these government health programs.