Congress pushes HHS to help states expand mental health care in rural America
H.R. 9867 — Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act · Filed by Joe Neguse (D-CO) · 1 cosponsor · Introduced Jul 22, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states within 12 months on how to use Medicaid and CHIP programs to recruit, train, and retain mental health and substance use disorder providers, with emphasis on rural and underserved areas. The guidance will advise states on using existing federal waivers and program authorities to expand the behavioral health workforce.
Why we flagged it
The bill is a straightforward directive to a federal agency to provide guidance to states on expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder providers. It is a capacity-building measure with no hidden mechanisms or narrow beneficiaries.
What the text implies
- Guidance may encourage states to expand Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement rates or loan forgiveness programs, which could increase state spending or federal matching obligations.
- Emphasis on rural and underserved areas may indirectly benefit rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and community mental health organizations that serve those populations.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers and organizations; rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers; community mental health organizations