summary
Introduced
09/08/2025
09/08/2025
In Committee
09/08/2025
09/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove certain limitations on the delivery of behavioral health services at rural health clinics under the Medicare program.
AI Summary
This bill, called the Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025, aims to modify Medicare regulations regarding behavioral health services in rural health clinics. Specifically, the bill removes a longstanding restriction that prevented rural health clinics from being reimbursed for services if they were considered a facility "primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases." By striking this language from Section 1861(aa)(2) of the Social Security Act, the bill will expand access to mental health and behavioral health services for patients in rural areas. The change is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving healthcare providers and Medicare administrators time to prepare for the new policy. This modification is significant because rural areas often face challenges in accessing comprehensive mental health care, and the bill seeks to reduce barriers to treatment by allowing rural health clinics to provide and be reimbursed for a broader range of behavioral health services.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (21)
Jill Tokuda (D)*,
Jim Baird (R),
Becca Balint (D),
Lauren Boebert (R),
Nikki Budzinski (D),
Juan Ciscomani (R),
Jim Costa (D),
Cleo Fields (D),
Shomari Figures (D),
Sam Graves (R),
Hank Johnson (D),
Doug LaMalfa (R),
Tracey Mann (R),
John Mannion (D),
Jim Moylan (R),
Chris Pappas (D),
Adrian Smith (R),
Melanie Stansbury (D),
Bennie Thompson (D),
David Valadao (R),
Ryan Zinke (R),
Last Action
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. (on 09/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5217/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr5217/BILLS-119hr5217ih.pdf |
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