Bill · H.R. 9990· House(119-HR-9990)
Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — 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
- Nicole Malliotakis
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026 seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand access to psychological and behavioral services. The bill aims to expand eligibility for incentives for clinical psychologists practicing in designated health professional shortage areas. It also works to eliminate certain oversight and approval requirements for behavioral health services provided by clinical psychologists. These changes apply to various settings, including outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, partial hospitalization, home health, and inpatient psychiatric hospital services. These provisions are intended to allow individuals to be under the care or supervision of a clinical psychologist as authorized by State law.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+8
The bill expands access to psychological and behavioral services by reducing oversight and providing provider incentives.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically incentivizes providers to work in underserved and likely rural areas.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill benefits Medicare beneficiaries, which includes many seniors, by expanding mental health care options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Incentives for Providers: Under Section 2, clinical psychologists providing services in a designated health professional shortage area may receive an additional payment equal to 10 percent of the service payment amount from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. This is intended to encourage practice in underserved areas.
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Expanded Care Options in Various Settings: Section 3 modifies several parts of the Social Security Act to allow individuals to be under the care or supervision of a clinical psychologist in multiple environments, including:
- Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities: (Section 3(a))
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: (Section 3(b))
- Partial Hospitalization Services: (Section 3(c))
- Home Health Services: (Section 3(d))
- Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Services: (Section 3(e))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not explicitly list any 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 Rural Residents+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+8Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- 7/30/2026
- 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.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Judy ChuDemocrat · California
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois