Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act

The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act would amend the Social Security Act to adjust coverage and payment for certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) services under Medicare and Medicaid. It would establish a prospective payment system for CCBHC services under Medicaid, expand the scope of covered services, allow states to opt for CCBHC accreditation, and provide Medicare coverage for such services with specific payment rules and protections, including waiving the Part B deductible and extending anti-kickback safe harbors. The bill also includes provisions for liability protection for CCBHC clinicians under the Federal Tort Claims Act and grants for clinic operations, technical assistance, data infrastructure, and accreditation. These changes aim to strengthen behavioral health care access and financing for low-income and elderly populations served by Medicaid and Medicare.