Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to enhance the availability of behavioral health services for Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas. It proposes to achieve this by amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, specifically targeting limitations placed on rural health clinics (RHCs) regarding the delivery of such services. The core provision involves striking language that currently restricts RHCs from providing behavioral health services if they are considered facilities primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases. By removing this specific limitation, the bill aims to broaden the scope of behavioral health care that RHCs can offer under the Medicare program. These changes are slated to become effective on January 1, 2027 , potentially improving access to crucial mental health support in underserved rural communities.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
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.
Introduced in House
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.
Health
Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5217| House
| Updated: 9/8/2025
This bill seeks to enhance the availability of behavioral health services for Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas. It proposes to achieve this by amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, specifically targeting limitations placed on rural health clinics (RHCs) regarding the delivery of such services. The core provision involves striking language that currently restricts RHCs from providing behavioral health services if they are considered facilities primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases. By removing this specific limitation, the bill aims to broaden the scope of behavioral health care that RHCs can offer under the Medicare program. These changes are slated to become effective on January 1, 2027 , potentially improving access to crucial mental health support in underserved rural communities.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
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.
Introduced in House
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.