Behavioral Health Crisis Services Expansion Act of 2026

Medicare Coverage for Crisis Response: Section 2(a) adds crisis response services to the Medicare program and covers ambulance transport for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. This is a positive step because it helps older Americans and individuals with disabilities get the emergency mental health care and transportation they need without facing complete out-of-pocket costs.

Medicaid and CHIP Expansion: Sections 2(b) and 2(g) mandate coverage for crisis response services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), while also allowing crisis response providers to make presumptive eligibility determinations. This ensures that low-income individuals, children, and families can access immediate behavioral health crisis care and sign up for temporary coverage right at the facility.

Private Insurance and Employer Plans: Section 2(c) requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to provide benefits for crisis response services without financial requirements or treatment limitations that are more restrictive than those applied to general medical and surgical benefits. This protects everyday people from unfair financial hurdles or separate cost-sharing rules when seeking urgent mental health support through their private insurance.

Support for Veterans and Military Families: Sections 2(d) and 2(e) require the TRICARE program and veterans' reimbursement provisions to cover crisis response services. This ensures that our service members, veterans, and their families have guaranteed access to crucial mental health and substance use crisis care.