Healthcare (Mental Health)

in committee · United States · House Sep 8, 2025

HR 5217: Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025

This bill amends the Social Security Act to remove an exclusion for rural facilities primarily treating mental health conditions from Medicare coverage. It specifically changes Section 1861(aa)(2) by deleting the phrase "or a facility which is primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases," allowing these facilities to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. The change directly affects rural behavioral health centers specializing in mental health care that were previously excluded. The amendment takes effect on January 1, 2027, enabling these facilities to access federal Medicare funding for services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes Medicare exclusion for rural mental health facilities, expanding coverage and improving access to behavioral health services per Social Security Act amendment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicare Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Sep 30, 2025

HR 5662: Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act

This bill removes a longstanding Medicaid barrier that excluded coverage for mental health care in specialized hospitals (IMDs) for people under age 65. It amends the Social Security Act to eliminate age restrictions in key Medicaid provisions, allowing Medicaid to cover institutional mental health services for all adults, regardless of age. Specifically, it strikes out "65 years of age or older" from multiple sections governing Medicaid eligibility and benefits for IMD care. The change takes effect on October 1, 2025, directly expanding access to Medicaid-covered mental health hospital care for younger adults currently excluded.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves Medicaid age barrier for mental health care, expanding coverage to all adults regardless of age, directly advancing access to institutional mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · United States · Senate Oct 23, 2025

S 3048: TREATS Act

The TREATS Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow telehealth evaluations as an alternative to in-person medical evaluations for prescribing certain controlled substances. Specifically, it permits one telehealth evaluation (conducted via real-time audio/video systems meeting Social Security Act standards) instead of an in-person visit when prescribing FDA-approved medications for substance use disorder treatment (schedules III-V). This directly affects healthcare providers who prescribe these medications, expanding their ability to use telehealth for initial patient assessments. The change maintains the requirement for at least one evaluation (either in-person or telehealth) while updating the process to include telehealth options for this specific treatment context.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits telehealth for substance use disorder prescriptions, improving patient access to treatment without requiring in-person visits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Telehealth

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in committee · United States · House Feb 13, 2025

HR 1305: Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act of 2025

HR 1305 establishes a federal working group under the Department of Health and Human Services to standardize how loneliness and isolation are measured across research and healthcare. The group, composed of senior health agency representatives and state officials from states with high and low mental health practitioner shortages, will develop consistent definitions and measurement tools by 2026. It aims to improve data quality for public health strategies, research, and healthcare planning, while ensuring tools can be used across different populations and settings. The working group must submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill’s enactment, and the initiative expires at the end of 2027. This affects federal health agencies, researchers, and healthcare providers who rely on standardized data to address social health challenges.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes federal working group to standardize loneliness/isolation measurement for mental health data, improving public health strategies and healthcare planning.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health

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in committee · United States · Senate Sep 17, 2025

S 2847: Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act

This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide education and outreach about existing Medicare coverage for occupational therapy services. Specifically, it mandates that within one year of enactment, the Secretary must clarify how Medicare covers occupational therapy for mental health and substance use disorder treatment using specific HCPCS codes. The bill directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking these services and healthcare providers billing under those codes. It does not change coverage rules but ensures stakeholders understand current policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies Medicare coverage for mental health occupational therapy, improving access for beneficiaries and providers under existing parity framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Mar 31, 2025

HR 2509: COMPLETE Care Act

HR 2509, the COMPLETE Care Act, creates Medicare payment incentives for primary care providers who integrate specific behavioral health services into their practice. It directly affects Medicare providers offering services identified by HCPCS codes 99484, 99492, 99493, 99494, G2214, and G0323 (covering models like Collaborative Care and Primary Care Behavioral Health) during 2027-2029. The bill increases Medicare payments for these services to 125-175% of standard rates (phasing down from 175% in 2027 to 125% in 2029) and waives budget neutrality rules to fund these higher payments. Additionally, it requires the HHS Secretary to provide technical assistance to primary care practices adopting these models by 2026, with dedicated funding for 2025-2029.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases Medicare payments (125-175%) for behavioral health integration, directly funding essential healthcare services through federal spending.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases Medicare payments (125-175%) for primary care integrating behavioral health services, expanding access to mental health care through funding incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Primary Care Telehealth

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in committee · United States · House Feb 6, 2025

HR 1096: HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025

This bill, the HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025 (HR 1096), requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover the first three primary care visits annually without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays), starting in 2026. It defines "primary care visit" to explicitly include mental health services, ensuring beneficiaries can access initial mental and physical health care without financial barriers. The provision applies to all Medicare Part B beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage enrollees, and Medicaid recipients nationwide. This policy change directly affects millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals who rely on these programs for healthcare.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates no-cost primary care visits including mental health under Medicare/Medicaid, removing financial barriers for initial physical and mental health access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands healthcare coverage to include mental health services under Medicare/Medicaid, which benefits veterans who rely on these programs for healthcare access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Primary Care

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in committee · United States · House Dec 18, 2025

HR 6841: PEERS Act of 2025

The PEERS Act of 2025 requires Medicare to cover peer support services provided by certified specialists at community mental health centers, rural health clinics, and other specified facilities. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with mental health or substance use disorders who receive these services, and providers like community mental health centers that will now bill Medicare for this care. The bill defines peer support services as non-clinical assistance focused on recovery, community integration, and self-empowerment, delivered by individuals certified after recovering from similar conditions. Coverage begins January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates Medicare coverage for peer support services in mental health/substance use treatment, expanding access and funding for these critical services under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · United States · House Jun 26, 2025

HR 4185: Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

This bill amends the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage for clinical social worker services. It removes the current restriction limiting these services to "the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses," allowing Medicare to cover a broader range of social worker services in healthcare settings. The change applies to services provided on or after December 1, 2025, directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries who receive social work services for non-mental health conditions. This policy adjustment aims to integrate social workers more fully into general healthcare coverage under Medicare.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicare coverage for social workers beyond mental health to include broader healthcare services, directly advancing patient access and coverage under Medicare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Jul 29, 2025

HRES 619: Supporting the goals and ideals of "Minority Mental Health Awareness Month" and recognizing the disproportionate impacts of mental health conditions and struggles on minority populations and communities.

HRES 619 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the disproportionate mental health challenges faced by minority communities in the U.S. and supporting "Minority Mental Health Awareness Month." It highlights specific disparities, such as higher rates of untreated mental health conditions among Black, Indigenous, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations due to barriers like stigma, lack of culturally competent care, and systemic inequities. The resolution calls on the President to improve mental health care access that addresses racial, cultural, and social differences in minority communities. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of these health disparities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly recognizes mental health disparities in minority communities and advocates for improved access to culturally competent care, aligning with supporting mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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