Bill > S3698

This bill, known as the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2026 (or Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026), aims to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals by amending existing laws, including the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The core provision mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers, which already cover mental health and substance use disorder services, must provide these services without any out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, for individuals from the point of pregnancy diagnosis through the first year after the pregnancy ends. This applies to services furnished by in-network providers, including telehealth services, and is intended to ensure that individuals receive necessary care during a critical period without financial barriers. The bill also includes provisions to ensure continuity of care for individuals undergoing treatment for mental health or substance use disorders related to pregnancy or postpartum recovery. These changes are set to take effect for plan years beginning two years after the bill's enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3698/all-info