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Bill

Bill

HD 1927

An Act to improve child and adolescent mental health services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jenny Armini and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill expands youth mental health services through insurance mandates, school-based programs, and increased funding to improve access and reduce barriers to care.

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Bill Summary · HD 1927

Legislative bill overview

HD 1927 expands access to mental health services for children and adolescents in Massachusetts by increasing funding, requiring insurance coverage for mental health care, and establishing new mental health programs in schools. The bill aims to address the growing mental health crisis among youth by removing barriers to care and integrating mental health support into educational settings.

Why is this important

Youth mental health crises—including depression, anxiety, and suicide—have significantly worsened, particularly post-pandemic. Many families face long wait times, high out-of-pocket costs, and insufficient school-based services. This bill directly addresses these gaps by improving accessibility and affordability of care during critical developmental years.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance mandate costs: Requiring comprehensive mental health coverage may increase insurance premiums for individuals and employers, raising concerns about affordability and market competitiveness
  • School resource allocation: Adding mental health staff to schools requires substantial funding; schools already stretched financially may struggle to implement and sustain these programs
  • Quality and provider capacity: Increased demand for mental health services may outpace the supply of qualified providers, potentially leading to longer wait times despite expansion efforts
  • Privacy and confidentiality concerns: School-based mental health screening and services raise questions about student privacy, parental notification, and data security

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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