ASSIST Act

This proposal boosts mental health and substance use care for students at school. It makes Medicaid pay a larger share—90%—for services given by licensed mental health and substance use providers at schools or school-based health centers. This includes care from school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The higher rate starts the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins at least 12 months after it becomes law. It also shields certain territorial payments from caps so more services can be covered. If the 90% would somehow reduce a state’s match, the higher rate won’t apply in that case.

The bill also creates grants to help schools hire more mental health and substance use providers. Applicants must explain local student needs and how they will offer culturally and linguistically appropriate care. Grant money cannot be used for threat assessment teams. Schools that get funds must report each year on staffing, services, and retention; the federal government must report on results within 18 months and then every five years. Awards must begin within 12 months of enactment.

Key points

• Who is affected: Students and families who use school-based care; schools and school-based health centers; providers like counselors, social workers, and psychologists.
• What changes: Medicaid covers 90% of eligible school-based mental health and substance use services; new grants to hire more providers; limits on how grant funds can be used; regular reporting to track results.
• When: Higher Medicaid share starts about a year after enactment, aligned to a calendar quarter; grants must roll out within 12 months; federal report due at 18 months, then every five years.