Medicaid Bump Act

This bill boosts Medicaid support for mental health and substance use care. It would raise the federal share to 90% of a state’s increased spending on these services, compared to what the state spent in the four-quarter period ending March 31, 2019. States must use the extra funds to add to, not replace, their own spending, and to improve care—like raising provider pay and reducing staff turnover—to expand capacity and quality for patients .

The federal health department must spell out which services count within 180 days. The change would start with calendar quarters beginning on or after January 1 of the year that begins one year after the bill becomes law. The department must also publish yearly reports showing payment rates, why those rates were set, and how often people use these services under Medicaid .

• Who is affected | What changes | When
• States, Medicaid patients, behavioral health providers | 90% federal match on states’ increased spending for Medicaid mental health and substance use services; funds must supplement existing state spending and go to improving access, pay, and staffing stability | Guidance due in 180 days; funding change applies starting with quarters on or after January 1 of the year beginning one year after enactment; annual reports thereafter