Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026

This bill aims to eliminate cost-sharing for mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to implement these changes. The legislation mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual coverage must provide these services without imposing any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The requirement applies to services furnished by in-network providers , including telehealth services , from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the one-year period following the pregnancy . This ensures that individuals can access necessary behavioral health care during a critical period without financial barriers. Furthermore, the bill strengthens continuity of care provisions, allowing individuals to continue receiving mental health or substance use disorder services from their existing provider for up to one year postpartum, even if that provider leaves the plan's network, provided they received treatment during pregnancy. These provisions are set to take effect for plan years beginning two years after the bill's enactment, extending crucial support to maternal health. The goal is to enhance access to vital mental health and substance use disorder treatment, recognizing the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals.