Bill · H.R. 8081· House(119-HR-8081)
Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/25/2026
- Last activity
- 3/25/2026 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Fitzpatrick
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 7
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026". It was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Tonko on March 25, 2026. The main goal of the bill is to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Specifically, it focuses on improving how people can access mental health services under the Medicare program. The changes involve adjusting the payment amounts for services under section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. These new payment rules are set to start for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
Medicare beneficiaries, who are predominantly seniors, will benefit from improved access to mental health services due to higher provider reimbursement rates.
Would retired people be better off under this?+5
The increase in Medicare payment rates for mental health services provides better coverage for retirees.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+5
The bill increases the payment percentage for specific mental health services under Medicare from 75 percent to 85 percent of the fee schedule amount.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Better Payment Rates for Services: Section 2 of the bill amends section 1833(a)(1)(F)(ii) and (FF) of the Social Security Act by changing payment rates from 75 percent of the amount determined for a psychologist to 85 percent of the fee schedule amount provided under section 1848. This is a positive change because it increases the payment amount to 85 percent of the fee schedule, which could help improve mental health services and provider support under Medicare.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+5
- 10/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Becca BalintDemocrat · Vermont
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey