WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 927

Human services: medical services; coverage for behavioral health transportation; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 109y. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0928'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Bellino and 3 co-sponsors

Medicaid must cover transportation to behavioral health services for eligible individuals, with providers meeting relevant mental health code standards (only if SB 928 passes).

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH POLICY
#humanservices:medicalservices #mentalhealth:other #stateagencies(existing):healthandhumanservices
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 927

Summary of Senate Bill 927 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and Intent

SB 927 proposes to amend the Michigan Public Welfare Act (the Social Welfare Act) to require the state’s medical assistance program (Medicaid) to cover behavioral health transportation for eligible individuals. The measure ties its enactment to SB 928, meaning it only takes effect if SB 928 is enacted into law.

Key Provisions

  1. New Coverage Requirement

    • The Department of Health and Human Services (the department) must provide medical assistance coverage for “behavioral health transport” for an eligible individual.
    • This ensures Medicaid beneficiaries have access to transportation specifically for behavioral health services.

  2. Compliance Requirements for Providers

    • Behavioral health transport agencies must comply with Section 987 of the Mental Health Code (1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1987). Although not detailed in the text provided, this generally relates to licensing, conduct, and oversight standards for behavioral health transport services.

  3. Definitions

    • “Behavioral health transport” is defined consistent with Section 981 of the Mental Health Code (MCL 330.1981). This provides regulatory alignment with existing mental health transport definitions.
    • “Behavioral health transport agency” refers to the owner or operator of a behavioral health transport service.
    • “Eligible individual” is defined as per Section 981 of the Mental Health Code, which typically includes individuals who meet medical necessity criteria for behavioral health services and are enrolled in Medicaid.

  4. Enactment Condition

    • The bill’s provisions take effect only if SB 928 of the same legislative session is enacted into law.

Affected Parties

  • Medicaid/MDHHS (Department of Health and Human Services): Responsible for administering the new coverage, determining eligibility for behavioral health transport, and overseeing implementation.
  • Behavioral Health Transport Agencies: Must comply with applicable provisions of the Mental Health Code (Section 987) to provide transportation services lawfully and safely.
  • Medicaid Beneficiaries (Eligible Individuals): Individuals who receive behavioral health services and require transportation to access those services would gain coverage for transport under the medical assistance program.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Conditional Effect: The Act’s coverage and requirements become effective only if SB 928 is enacted. If SB 928 does not pass, SB 927 does not take effect.
  • Committee Review: As of the latest action, the bill has been introduced and referred to the Health Policy Committee. Any substantive changes or passage would occur through committee deliberations, potential amendments, and votes in both chambers, followed by the governor’s signature.

Practical Impact

  • This bill would formalize Medicaid coverage for transportation to behavioral health services, potentially reducing barriers to access for individuals in need of mental health or substance use treatment who rely on non-emergency transportation.
  • By mandating compliance with existing mental health code provisions, it aims to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory alignment in the provision of behavioral health transport.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Michigan law on behavioral health transport and outline potential fiscal implications or implementation steps based on related statutes.

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

Sign in to ask a question.