Reps. Fitzpatrick and Tonko Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Medicare Mental Health Payments
This bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and is waiting for review by the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees. No action has been taken on the bill since March 2026, which means it has been stalled for three months. Most bills like this do not receive a committee vote and do not move forward.
The bill has support from both parties and addresses a common problem, but it still needs to pass through two different committees before it can be voted on by the full House.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Medicare beneficiaries who need mental health services would benefit from a larger pool of providers willing to accept Medicare. Currently, lower reimbursement rates discourage many mental health professionals from taking Medicare patients, leading to long wait times and limited choices. Raising the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the fee schedule could encourage more providers to participate, making it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get therapy and counseling.
“To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program.”
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.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
This legislative digest covers the introduction of H.R. 8081 and S. 4202, the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act, which proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to improve Medicare mental health service access.
The article discusses 2026 Medicare changes, noting that while some reimbursement rates are increasing, others are decreasing due to methodology changes. It highlights the broader strategy to improve access to behavioral health services through updated codes and telehealth.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026
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