Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act
Sponsored By: Senator Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced
Summary
Expand the behavioral health workforce for Medicaid and CHIP in rural and underserved areas. This bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue non‑mandatory, comprehensive guidance within 12 months on strategies to expand education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder providers who participate in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
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- Families with children in CHIP could gain better local access to mental health and substance use disorder care if states adopt the guidance.
- Medicaid beneficiaries in rural and underserved communities could see increased provider capacity as states use section 1115 waivers and other Medicaid and CHIP authorities.
- Behavioral health providers may get more education, training, recruitment, and retention opportunities if states implement the suggested strategies.
- States would receive a non-binding playbook on how to use title XIX and XXI tools, including 1115 waivers, to expand workforce capacity in targeted areas.
*The bill issues guidance and does not authorize new funding or mandatory requirements, so it is not expected to increase federal spending.*
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Daines, Steve [R-MT]
MT • R
Cosponsors
Gary Peters
MI • D
Sponsored 12/16/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov