Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7324

More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026

Mental Health Care: Bonus Pay for Providers in Underserved Areas

5 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Proposed Medicare Bonuses Aim to Boost Mental Health Care in Underserved Areas

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

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.

Impact Analysis

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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.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced in House

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

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News

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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.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)

R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.