A Democratic bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Supporting 9-8-8 Crisis Stabilization Act. It changes how Medicaid deals with certain mental health facilities, known as the IMD exclusion. Specifically, it says that certain centers like certified community behavioral health clinics and crisis receiving facilities are no longer excluded under those rules. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give guidance to States on how to carry out these changes. Finally, the bill orders a report to Congress within one year to check on how these facilities are being used and if they help reduce emergency room visits and arrests.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +9
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill significantly expands access to 24/7 crisis stabilization and urgent care services via Medicaid.
- Scored +8
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill expands Medicaid access and mandates sliding scale discounts based on ability to pay.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?
The bill expands Medicaid coverage by excluding certain crisis facilities from the IMD exclusion.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) changes the definition of an institution for mental diseases so that certain facilities, such as crisis receiving and stabilization facilities and mental health and substance use urgent care facilities, are not included. This means people can get help at these specific locations without running into the old Medicaid roadblocks.
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Section 2(a) states that a crisis receiving and stabilization facility cannot deny or limit services based on a patient's ability to pay, place of residence, prior trouble with the law, or the severity of their condition. This helps ensure that anyone in crisis can walk in and get the care they need regardless of their personal background.
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Section 2(a) also requires these crisis receiving and stabilization facilities to use a schedule of discounts adjusted on the basis of a patient's ability to pay. This protects individuals from being gouged financially when they seek urgent help.
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Section 2(a) allows individuals experiencing a crisis to walk into a mental health and substance use urgent care facility without an appointment to get immediate care, medication, and connection to other services. This gives people quick and easy access to help right when they need it.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no identified negative impacts or burdens placed on individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill significantly expands access to 24/7 crisis stabilization and urgent care services via Medicaid. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — By expanding access to substance use urgent care, the bill strengthens the response to the opioid and substance use crisis. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill expands Medicaid coverage by excluding certain crisis facilities from the IMD exclusion. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — It improves overall access to care by removing barriers for those seeking mental health and substance use services. Does this lower what a hospital stay costs? — The bill aims to divert mental health emergencies from hospital emergency rooms to stabilization facilities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill expands Medicaid access and mandates sliding scale discounts based on ability to pay. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill ensures mental health and substance use crises can be addressed without discrimination based on disability.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill protects patients from being denied services based on intellectual or developmental disabilities. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill aims to divert mental health crises away from law enforcement responses toward medical facilities.
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 5 Cosponsors 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.
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California
Jennifer McClellanDemocrat · Virginia
Adam SmithDemocrat · Washington
Lori TrahanDemocrat · Massachusetts