Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8081
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:08:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 (H.R. 8081) aims to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program by increasing reimbursement rates for certain non-physician mental health providers.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicare payment rules.
- Increases Medicare payments for:
- Clinical social workers (under subparagraph (F)(ii)): From 75% of the psychologist payment rate to 85% of the fee schedule amount under Section 1848 (the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule).
- Marriage and family therapists (under subparagraph (FF)): Same increase from 75% to 85% of the fee schedule amount.
- Applies to services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Raises the payment threshold for clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists from a percentage tied to psychologist rates to a direct 85% of the standard Medicare physician fee schedule.
- This standardizes and boosts their reimbursements compared to current levels, which were lower to reflect differences in provider training or scope.
Potential Impacts
- Medicare beneficiaries (seniors and disabled individuals): Likely improved access to mental health care, as higher payments may encourage more providers to accept Medicare patients and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Government agencies (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - CMS): Increased federal spending on Medicare Part B services due to higher provider reimbursements.
- No direct impacts on international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Mental health providers: Clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists benefit from higher payments.
- Medicare enrollees: Gain better access to outpatient mental health services.
- Taxpayers and federal budget: Bear higher Medicare costs.
- Physicians and psychologists: Indirectly affected, as their fee schedule becomes the new benchmark.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward amendment to Medicare payment statutes; no challenges to existing authority under Title XVIII.
- Constitutional: None identified; falls within Congress's spending power for social welfare programs.
- Political: Supports bipartisan efforts to address mental health crises by incentivizing non-physician providers, potentially reducing wait times without expanding provider eligibility. May increase long-term Medicare expenditures, subject to budget reconciliation or offsets in future legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: 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.
- 2026-03-25: 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.
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)