H.R. 10240 — Behavioral Health Crisis Services Expansion Act of 2026

This section adds crisis response services to Medicare Part B covered benefits and requires states to cover them under Medicaid. It defines such services as mental health or substance use services furnished by mobile crisis teams, crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, or urgent care facilities to individuals experiencing a crisis, including children and adolescents. Crisis receiving and stabilization facilities must offer 23-hour observation, 48-hour stabilization beds, 24/7 services on a sliding scale, no-wrong-door access, and an average stay under 150 hours. Medicare pays 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or a new Secretary-established payment basis. It also covers ambulance transport to appropriate crisis facilities beginning three years after enactment. The changes take effect three years after enactment, with a possible delay for states requiring legislation.