Bills · HR 7324
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7324Health
More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 3· LAST ACTION FEB 3
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenMany parts of the country face a serious lack of mental health and addiction treatment professionals, making it incredibly hard for people to get the help they need. This bill addresses this problem by offering a stronger financial incentive for a wider array of behavioral health providers to work in these underserved communities.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more mental health and addiction specialists moving to or expanding their services in communities currently struggling with provider shortages. This directly improves access to vital care for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges or substance use disorders. If the bill does not pass, these communities would likely continue to experience significant barriers to accessing these critical services, worsening existing gaps in healthcare access.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the bonus payment for mental health and substance use disorder services provided in designated shortage areas from 10% to 15%.
Offers a stronger financial incentive for providers to work in underserved communities for critical behavioral health services.
PROVISION 02
Expands eligibility for this bonus to include various 'applicable practitioners' like physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical social workers, and therapists, in addition to physicians.
Acknowledges and incentivizes a broader range of behavioral health professionals crucial for comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'specified health services' to include diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
Clearly specifies the types of services that qualify for the enhanced bonus, ensuring the incentive is focused on critical behavioral healthcare.
PROVISION 04
Requires that these enhanced bonus payments be made from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund.
Clarifies the funding source for the increased bonus payments.
PROVISION 05
Specifies that the changes in the bill apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
Provides a clear effective date for the implementation of the new incentive program.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· Illinois
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
19
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 3
Introduced in House
FEB 3
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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7324
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 3, 2026
Last actionFeb 3, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 3, 2026
House BillHR 7324Health
More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 3, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 3, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
