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H.R. 5217

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 8, 2025
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.
Congress
119th (2025–2027)
Introduced
September 8, 2025
Cosponsors (23)
12D 11R
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Summary

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This bill removes restrictions that currently prevent rural health clinics from providing certain behavioral health services to Medicare patients. Specifically, it eliminates a rule that bars Medicare reimbursement for services at facilities primarily focused on mental health treatment, allowing rural clinics to expand their mental health offerings without losing eligibility. The change affects rural health clinics and their Medicare-eligible patients, particularly in underserved areas where mental health services are scarce. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2027, giving clinics time to adjust operations and staffing. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve access to behavioral health care in rural communities by removing bureaucratic barriers that have limited where and how these services can be delivered under Medicare.

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