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Congress·In Committee·27 days ago

Mental Health Care: Bonus Pay for Providers in Underserved Areas

Also known as: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

  • Congress wants to pay mental health and addiction specialists more if they work in areas that do not have enough doctors. Starting in 2027, these providers would get a 15% bonus on top of their regular Medicare payments for treating patients in these underserved spots.
  • The plan covers a wide range of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors. It also includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide diagnosis or treatment for mental health or drug use disorders.
  • This policy aims to fix the shortage of mental health care in rural and low-income areas. By offering higher pay, the government hopes to encourage more therapists and doctors to move to or stay in communities where patients currently struggle to find help.
  • People with Medicare would benefit from having more local options for treating depression, anxiety, or addiction. The goal is to make sure a person's zip code does not prevent them from getting the mental health support they need.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 3, 2026House

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.

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7324
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

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