An Act expanding access to mental health services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marjorie Decker and 4 co-sponsors

Expands access to mental health services by increasing funding, coordinating care with general health services, and reducing wait times in underserved communities.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026

Summary of H 4895 (Session 194th) — An Act expanding access to mental health services

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to expand access to mental health services within Massachusetts, addressing barriers to timely care and broadening the availability of mental health resources across populations.

It seeks to improve integration of mental health services with general healthcare and reduce systemic gaps in access.

Key provisions and changes (as reflected in the current draft and committee actions)

Establishes or expands funding mechanisms and programmatic supports to increase availability of mental health services (specific program details are not provided in the available summary, but the bill’s intent centers on expanded access).

Promotes coordination between mental health providers and other health care providers to streamline referrals, treatment, and continuity of care for individuals with mental health needs.

May include requirements or incentives for health systems, insurers, or state agencies to enhance coverage, access, or delivery of mental health services (e.g., staffing, service capacity, or service delivery models). The exact mechanisms (e.g., grant programs, rate adjustments, or service mandates) are not specified in the provided material.

Potential emphasis on reducing wait times for mental health services and increasing availability in underserved communities or populations disproportionately affected by mental health disparities.

Who would be affected

Individuals seeking mental health services, particularly those facing barriers to access such as long wait times, limited provider availability, or insurance coverage gaps.

Mental health care providers and health care systems that participate in state-funded or state-supported programs.

Payers, including public programs and private insurers, if the bill creates new requirements, incentives, or funding streams related to coverage, access, or service delivery.

State agencies involved in health care financing, mental health services, and public health oversight (e.g., departments or bureaus that manage funding or implement programs).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates the bill progressed through the Financial Services Committee, with a new draft designated as H1131 on January 8, 2026.

The committee favorably reported the bill and transferred it to the Health Care Financing Committee for further consideration, signaling movement toward potential fiscal and programmatic implementation.

Specific dates for final passage, amendments, or enactment were not provided in the summary. If enacted, the timeline would depend on committee votes, conference processes (if needed), and legislative calendar.

Additional notes

The bill is co-sponsored by Sam Montaño, Natalie Higgins, Russell Holmes, Estela Reyes, and Marjorie Decker, indicating cross-party or cross-district support in the Legislature.

The description provided is limited to outlines of purpose and procedural steps; the exact statutory changes (text of new sections, amendments to existing statutes, funding levels, and regulatory impacts) would appear in the bill’s full language and any supplementary fiscal analyses.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill’s full text or fiscal impact statements to provide more precise details on funding amounts, targeted populations, service delivery mechanisms, and implementation timelines.