More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025

Bill 119 s 683, also known as the Medicare Mental Health Access Act, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to broaden the eligibility criteria for incentives under the Medicare health professional shortage area bonus program. This expansion specifically targets practitioners who provide mental health and substance use disorder services.

The bill seeks to address the shortage of mental health and substance use disorder providers in underserved areas by incentivizing more practitioners to work in these regions. By expanding eligibility for bonuses, the hope is to attract more qualified professionals to areas where there is a high demand for mental health and substance use disorder services.

If passed, this legislation could have a significant impact on improving access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Medicare beneficiaries in underserved areas. It would also help address the growing mental health crisis in the United States by increasing the number of providers available to treat those in need. Overall, the Medicare Mental Health Access Act is a step towards improving mental health care access and addressing the shortage of providers in underserved areas.