HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025

This bill, the Helping Out Patients for Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Act, would make the first three primary care visits each year free (no copays or other out-of-pocket costs) for people on Medicare and Medicaid. It defines a “primary care visit” to include outpatient mental and behavioral health care, nonspecialty medical care, and care coordination to prevent, find, treat, or manage physical, mental, or behavioral health conditions.

• Who is affected: People with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
• What changes: The first 3 primary care visits each year would be covered with no copays or other charges; “primary care” includes mental health and care coordination, not just regular doctor visits.
• When: For Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, this starts in 2026; the bill also amends Medicare to provide these no-cost visits.