A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for behavioral health services (including those related to mental health and substance use), and for other purposes.

4/5/2024, 3:08 PM

Summary of Bill S 3921

Bill 118 s 3921, also known as the "Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Enhancement Act," aims to make changes to title XIX of the Social Security Act in order to increase the Federal matching rate for Medicaid expenditures related to behavioral health services. This includes services for mental health and substance use disorders.

The bill proposes to provide a higher Federal matching rate for states that increase their Medicaid spending on behavioral health services. This would help states to better address the growing need for mental health and substance use treatment, which has become a pressing issue in recent years.

In addition to increasing the Federal matching rate, the bill also includes provisions for improving access to behavioral health services and ensuring that individuals receive the care they need. This could include expanding telehealth services, increasing funding for community mental health centers, and implementing evidence-based practices for treating mental health and substance use disorders. Overall, the Medicaid Behavioral Health Services Enhancement Act seeks to address the gaps in the current Medicaid system when it comes to providing adequate care for individuals with behavioral health needs. By increasing the Federal matching rate and implementing other measures, the bill aims to improve access to quality care for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

Congressional Summary of S 3921

Medicaid Bump Act

This bill increases the Medicaid federal matching rate, also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), for behavioral health expenses that exceed prior levels (i.e., as of March 31, 2019). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must specify which services are eligible for the increased FMAP. States must use funds to supplement state funding for programs in effect as of April 1, 2021, and to increase the capacity, efficiency, and quality of services.

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Current Status of Bill S 3921

Bill S 3921 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 12, 2024. Bill S 3921 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 12, 2024. Bill S 3921's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of March 12, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3921

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3921

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3921

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for behavioral health services (including those related to mental health and substance use), and for other purposes.

Medicaid Bump Act