A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — 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.
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
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
- Scored +8
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill expands access to psychological and behavioral services by reducing oversight and providing provider incentives.
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically incentivizes providers to work in underserved and likely rural areas.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically incentivizes providers to work in underserved and likely rural areas. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improved access to mental health services can benefit low-income households in shortage areas. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Expanded mental health care options can benefit people with psychological disabilities. Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill enhances Medicare coverage which is a primary source of care for retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill benefits Medicare beneficiaries, which includes many seniors, by expanding mental health care options.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill expands access to psychological and behavioral services by reducing oversight and providing provider incentives. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill enhances healthcare access by encouraging psychologists to practice in underserved areas. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill increases Medicare payments for clinical psychologists serving in shortage areas.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill targets health professional shortage areas which often include rural locations.
- 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