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HB 5944

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: HB 5943'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 22 co-sponsors

Medicaid would cover transportation for eligible individuals to behavioral health services, with transport providers required to meet existing Mental Health Code standards.

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Bill Summary · HB 5944

Overview

House Bill 5944 would amend the Michigan Social Welfare Act to add a new provision (section 109y) requiring the state’s Medical Assistance program (Medicaid) to cover behavioral health transport for eligible individuals. The bill also requires behavioral health transport agencies to comply with a specified section of the Michigan Mental Health Code. The measure is contingent on enactment of a related bill (HB 5943 or Senate counterpart) as a tie-bar.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a funding and coverage mandate within Michigan’s Medicaid program for transportation related to behavioral health services.
  • Ensure behavioral health transport providers meet existing regulatory standards under the Mental Health Code.

Key Provisions

  1. Medicaid Coverage (Sec. 109y(1))

    • The Department of Health and Human Services (or its successor in Michigan’s Medicaid program) must provide coverage under the medical assistance program for an eligible individual to receive behavioral health transport.

  2. Regulatory Compliance for Transport Agencies (Sec. 109y(2))

    • Behavioral health transport agencies must comply with Section 987 of the Mental Health Code (1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1987). This sets standards or requirements applicable to entities operating behavioral health transport.

  3. Definitions (Sec. 109y(3))

    • “Behavioral health transport” is defined by reference to Section 981 of the Mental Health Code (MCL 330.1981).
    • “Behavioral health transport agency” means the owner or operator of a behavioral health transport.
    • “Eligible individual” is defined consistent with Section 981 of the Mental Health Code.

  4. Enacting Condition

    • The amendment only takes effect if HB 5943 (or its Senate counterpart) is enacted into law, i.e., the two bills are tied together to become effective jointly.

Affected Parties

  • Medicaid/Medicare-eligible individuals who require transportation specifically for behavioral health services.
  • Behavioral health transport agencies that operate transport services for individuals accessing behavioral health care.
  • Regulators and state agencies responsible for administering Medicaid and enforcing the Mental Health Code requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The bill is currently introduced and referred to the Committee on Health Policy (as of the latest action history).
  • It includes a tie-bar requiring enactment of HB 5943 (or its Senate counterpart) for the provision to take effect. This means the policy change is contingent on companion legislation.

Potential Impacts

  • Access to Care: By guaranteeing Medicaid coverage for behavioral health transportation, eligible individuals may experience improved access to behavioral health appointments, therapy, and crisis-related transportation when needed.
  • Cost and Coverage Implications: Medicaid would bear transportation costs for eligible behavioral health services, potentially affecting state Medicaid spending and budgeting.
  • Regulatory Alignment: Requiring compliance with Mental Health Code Section 987 could standardize operations, safety, training, or credentialing for transport providers, enhancing quality and accountability.
  • Operational Coordination: Requires coordination between Medicaid services and behavioral health transport agencies to determine eligibility, coverage, and reimbursement processes.

Summary

HB 5944 seeks to extend Medicaid coverage to include behavioral health transportation for eligible individuals, while tying transport providers to existing regulatory standards under Michigan’s Mental Health Code. The bill’s effectiveness depends on the passage of a companion measure (HB 5943 or its Senate version) and would implement a defined framework for who qualifies, what standards apply, and how services are financed under Medicaid.

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

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