This bill gives states the option to use their Medicaid programs to pay for mental health and substance abuse services at certified community behavioral health clinics. Right now, states don't have to cover these services, but this bill makes it available as a choice. If a state decides to participate, Medicaid would cover things like crisis intervention when someone is in acute distress, regular outpatient counseling for mental health or addiction issues, peer support groups led by people with lived experience, and screenings to identify mental health or substance use problems early. This means more people on Medicaid—typically lower-income individuals and families—could get easier access to behavioral health care without having to go to a hospital emergency room or specialty mental health center. It's designed to make mental health and addiction treatment more accessible and available in communities where people live.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to include certified community behavioral health clinic services as a State plan option under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes.

<p>This bill allows state Medicaid programs to cover certified community behavioral health services, including crisis services, outpatient mental health and substance use services, peer support, and screenings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>