Bill > HR8081

This bill, titled the "Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026," aims to improve how Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities, covers mental health services. Specifically, it proposes to increase the payment rate for certain mental health services provided under Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient care. Currently, Medicare often reimburses these services at 75% of the payment rate for psychologists. This bill would raise that reimbursement to 85% of the fee schedule amount established under section 1848 of the Social Security Act, which is the standard payment system for physician services. These changes would take effect for services provided starting January 1, 2027, with the goal of making it more financially viable for providers to offer mental health care to Medicare beneficiaries.