Mental Health: Expanding Medicare Access to Psychologists
The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026 is currently in the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees. It has not moved since July 30, 2026, and these committees must review the bill before it can proceed further. Most bills do not receive a committee vote, so this proposal remains stalled at the start of the legislative process.
The bill has support from both Republicans and Democrats, which helps its chances. However, many bills that change Medicare rules face long delays in committees before they can get a final vote.
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
Clinical psychologists who run independent practices, particularly in rural or underserved areas, would gain a new 10% Medicare bonus payment and more authority to manage patient care without physician sign-off, potentially making rural practice more financially viable.
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.
A bipartisan proposal in the U.S. Senate, the Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026, aims to remove physician approval requirements for Medicare beneficiaries seeking psychological services. The bill, introduced by Senators John Kennedy and Martin Heinrich, would allow psychologists to practice independently in all treatment settings and provides a 10% bonus payment for those serving in rural or underserved areas to address provider shortages.
Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Increasing Mental Health Options Act to eliminate outdated Medicare rules that delay mental health treatment for seniors. The legislation removes the requirement for psychologists to obtain physician approval before providing services in certain settings and offers bonus payments to encourage professionals to practice in mental health professional shortage areas.
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and John Kennedy introduced the Increasing Mental Health Options Act, which aims to expand access to mental healthcare in rural communities by eliminating a Medicare requirement that delays treatment. The bill allows psychologists to practice independently in all Medicare settings and provides bonus payments for providers in areas with mental health professional shortages.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026
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