To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 25Referred 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.

Summary

**What it does:** This bill proposes changes to Medicare (the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, plus some younger people with disabilities) to make it easier for beneficiaries to access mental health care services. **Who it affects:** Current and future Medicare beneficiaries who need mental health treatment, including counseling, therapy, or psychiatric care. **What would change:** The bill aims to remove barriers that currently make it difficult for Medicare patients to get mental health services. This could include changes like reducing paperwork requirements, expanding which mental health professionals Medicare covers, improving payment rates to providers, or reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients. **Current status:** The bill is still being reviewed in congressional committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. *Note: Specific details about which barriers would be addressed are not available without reviewing the full bill text.*

How This Affects You