More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand eligibility for incentives under the Medicare health professional shortage area bonus program to practitioners furnishing mental health and substance use disorder services.
This bill, HB7324, aims to expand eligibility for incentives under Medicare's health professional shortage area bonus program. Specifically, it seeks to include practitioners who provide mental health and substance use disorder services. This means that more professionals in these areas could qualify for financial incentives if they work in areas with a shortage of healthcare providers.
The bill would mainly affect mental health and substance use disorder practitioners, as well as patients in areas lacking sufficient behavioral health services. By offering incentives, the bill hopes to encourage more professionals to work in underserved areas, thereby improving access to mental health and substance use disorder care for patients.
As of the last status date, February 3, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means. These committees will review the bill and may schedule hearings or further actions to determine its next steps in the legislative process.
