Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9990, the Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026, would amend Medicare law (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to expand access to psychological and behavioral health services. It would create a new Medicare payment incentive—an additional 10 percent payment—for clinical psychologists who furnish services to Medicare beneficiaries in areas designated as health professional shortage areas, similar to existing incentives for physicians. It would also change several Medicare rules so that, in settings such as comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, partial hospitalization programs, home health services, and inpatient psychiatric hospitals, patients receiving psychologist services could be under the care or supervision of a clinical psychologist rather than requiring physician oversight, to the extent allowed under state law. Existing requirements for clinical consultation between psychologists and a patient's physician would remain in place.
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who use mental health services, clinical psychologists providing Medicare-covered care, and health care facilities that furnish such services, particularly in underserved or rural areas facing shortages of mental health providers. The changes would take effect for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027, if enacted.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It has not yet been considered by either committee, and would need to pass committee review, the full House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026
This bill provides for an additional payment for clinical psychologists under Medicare who provide services in designated health professional shortage areas. It also allows clinical psychologists to provide behavioral health services (in accordance with state law) for purposes of hospitalization services, home health services, and other services under Medicare.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9990 do?
- H.R. 9990, the Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2026, would amend Medicare law (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to expand access to psychological and behavioral health services. It would create a new Medicare payment incentive—an additional 10 percent payment—for clinical psychologists who furnish services to Medicare beneficiaries in areas designated as health professional shortage areas, similar to existing incentives for physicians. It would also change several Medicare rules so that, in settings such as comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, partial hospitalization programs, home health services, and inpatient psychiatric hospitals, patients receiving psychologist services could be under the care or supervision of a clinical psychologist rather than requiring physician oversight, to the extent allowed under state law. Existing requirements for clinical consultation between psychologists and a patient's physician would remain in place. The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries who use mental health services, clinical psychologists providing Medicare-covered care, and health care facilities that furnish such services, particularly in underserved or rural areas facing shortages of mental health providers. The changes would take effect for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027, if enacted. The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. It has not yet been considered by either committee, and would need to pass committee review, the full House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 9990 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, H.R. 9990 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9990?
- H.R. 9990 was sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis [R-NY11] (Republican-NY), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9990?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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