Psychiatric News (2/4) reports Congress on Tuesday passed “a $1.2 trillion spending package for fiscal year 2026 that maintained or increased funding for several key mental health agencies, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).” The legislation funds most of the federal government through September 30 and “includes authorization and funding for several of APA’s advocacy priorities, including telehealth flexibilities, supporting health equity, and more.” Notably, the package extends “telehealth flexibilities – including waiving the requirement for Medicare patients to have an in-person visit within the past six months to begin” telehealth – for nearly two years, through December 31, 2027.
Related Links:
— “Congress Passes Spending Package With Behavioral Health Investments, Psychiatric News , February 4, 2026