ASSIST Act

Lobbying Issues Description: Budget and appropriations for public health, disease and injury prevention, including obesity and related diseases; pandemics and emerging infectious diseases; physical activity; public health preparedness; nutrition programs; environmental health; health equity; community-based public health interventions; public health infrastructure and workforce; maternal health; substance misuse/behavioral health issues; vaccines and immunizations; antimicrobial resistance; public health data modernization; global health. Specific Legislation: 1.Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Act (Not yet introduced) 2.Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R.5557) 3.Helping Kids Cope Act (Not yet introduced) 4.Advancing Student Services in Schools Today Act (S.2050) 5.Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.2904/S.1448) 6.RISE from Trauma Act (S.3461/H.R.6625) 7.Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act (Not yet introduced) 8.Reentry Act (H.R. 2586) 9.FY 2027 Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations 10.FY 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development and Drug Administration Appropriations, provisions related to nutrition 11.Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 12.Improving Social Determinants of Health Act (Not yet introduced) 13.The UNDERSTAND Act (Not yet introduced) 14.The TRUTH in Labeling Act (Not yet introduced) 15.Child Nutrition Reauthorization 16.Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (H.R. 6121) 17.Momnibus Act (H.R.7973) 18.Older Americans Act Reauthorization (S.2120) 19.Protecting the Health of Americas Older Adults Act (Not yet introduced) 20.Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization (Not yet introduced) 21.Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (Not yet introduced) 22.The Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2483/S.2121) 23.The PEER Support Act (H.R.2741/S.1329) 24.The Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act (S.931/ H.R.2509) 25.The 9-8-8 Implementation Act (Not yet introduced) 26.Local 988 Response Act (Not yet introduced) 27.Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act (Not yet introduced) 28.The Kid PROOF Act (H.R.6396) 29.EARLY Minds Act (S.779/H.R.1735) 30.Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R.7019) 31.Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act (H.R.8124) 32.Womens Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026 (S.3944) 33.Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act (Not yet introduced) 34.Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention (RAYS) Act (H.R.7092/S.4061) 35.Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 (H.R.8657) 36.Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act (S.1924/H.R.3624) 37.9-8-8 CONNECT Act (H.R.8122) 38.Improving Non-medical Drivers of Health Act (Not yet introduced) 39.Alzheimers Screening and Prevention Act (H.R.6130) 40.Tech to Save Moms Act (S. 958/H.R. 8317) 41.BUILD America 250 Act (H.R.8870)/Surface transportation reauthorization House(s) of Congress and Federal Agencies lobbied during the quarter: House, Senate, White House Domestic Policy Council, HHS, CDC, FDA, USDA, OMB, HRSA, SAMHSA, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Client expense: $41,945 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Natl Drug Control Policy (NDCP), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), White House Office

H.R. 1096: HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025 mandates coverage of three annual primary care visits without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid. H.R. 1867: Removes in-person requirements for mental health services under Medicare. H.R. 1598: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act lifts the age cap for Medicaid buy-in programs for those with disabilities who choose to work S. 752/H.R. 1509: Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act expands Medicaid enrollment across state lines. S. 683: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025 creates workforce incentives under Medicare. H.R. 2540: SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act updates resource limits for SSI income eligibility. Reject cuts to Medicaid and other mental health and or substance use disorder programs in the reconciliation process. Support for state waivers for federal financial participation for services furnished to Medicaid members during short-term stays for acute care in psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment facilities that qualify as institutions for mental disease. -- H.R. 1: One Big Beautiful Bill Act reauthorizes and reforms major federal programs including Medicaid. H.R. 2590: Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act of 2025 establishes a Medicare demonstration program to promote collaborative treatment of mental and physical health comorbidities. S. 1264/H.R. 3320: Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act increases federal Medicaid funding for states providing intensive community-based services for adults with serious mental illness. H.R. 4022: Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for mental health services in institutions for mental diseases for patients under 65. S. 2011/H.R. 3884: Telemental Health Care Access Act removes the statutory requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in-person within six months of being treated for mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. S. 2024/H.R. 3907: Expand Navigators Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity (ENROLL) Act strengthens and expands the navigator program by increasing funding, broadening duties, and ensuring nonprofit participation. H.R. 2495: Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 provides Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy for individuals with eating disorders. H.R. 2263: Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025: permanently expands telehealth services under Medicare H.R. 3384 Telemental Health Care Access Act: Expands Medicaid to include both mental and behavioral health services provided by telehealth. H.R. 4037/S.2847: Occupational Therapy Mental Health parity Act: Clarifies that Medicare covers occupational therapy for mental health and substance use disorders HR 4619 Medicare Mental Health Impatient Equity Act of 2025: Removes the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage on inpatient Psychiatric hospital services. HR 5462: Michelle Alyssa Go Act: Would expand Medicaid coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment by increasing the facility size limit from 16 to 36 beds. S. 2401/H.R. 4745: Medicaid Bump Act: Increase federal Medicaid funds for certain mental health services S. 1797 Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act: expands Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for clinical social workers to provide mental health services S.2050 ASSIST Act: Increases federal Medicaid funding for school-based behavioral health services S.2069/HR 4028: Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act: mandates 12-month continuous enrollment for all individuals in Medicaid and CHIP S.2037/H.R.4313 Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act: Extends Medicare's acute hospital care at home waiver flexibilities S.2709/ H.R.5081: Telehealth Modernization Act: Extends and expands Medicare telehealth flexibilities S.3300/H.R.6408: ANCHOR Act of 2025 allows states to expand Medicaid coverage to low income, uninsured individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders S.3486 Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act: Requires federal guidance to help states strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Medicaid and CHIP S. 3522 No Red Tape for Addiction Treatment Act: Requires State Medicaid programs to cover at least one formulation of each medication for opioid use disorder without prior Authorization H.R. 6096 NEST Act funds and distributes essential newborn supply kits to mothers. S.1816/ H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Streamlining prior authorization to increase timely access to care. Support for the extension of the enhanced advance premium tax credits (eAPTC) Support for an extension or permanent authorization of telehealth/telemental health flexibilities Support for continued access to Medicaid Ensuring that new community engagement requirements do not lead to individuals being unfairly removed from Medicaid. H.R. 7535: Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 requires Medicaid to cover 12 annual mental health telehealth visits for individuals transitioning from incarceration to home confinement. H.R. 5662: Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for coverage of services provided to patients in mental health institutions. H.R. 6296: Advancing Access to Telehealth Act makes several telehealth flexibilities permanent under Medicare. H.R. 6727: Repealing the IMD Exclusion Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in institutions for mental diseases. H.R. 7324: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026 expands Medicare bonus payments to a wider range of behavioral health practitioners. S. 2709: Telehealth Modernization Act extends and expands Medicare telehealth flexibilities. S. 3521/H.R. 6841: PEERS Act of 2025 expands Medicare to cover peer support services for mental health and substance use recovery. S. 3690: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2026 removes the age limit for working adults with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid buy-in programs. S. 3750: REAL Health Providers Act requires Medicare Advantage plans to maintain accurate provider directories. S. 4076: Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act of 2026 removes the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage for inpatient psychiatric hospital services. S. 4202: Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 increases Medicare reimbursement rates for certain mental health providers. ___ H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior authorization, increase transparency, protect enrollees, and adhere to new response timeframes H.R. 5944: Restoring Inpatient Mental Health Access Act of 2025 allows federal Medicaid funding for inpatient mental health services in institutions for mental diseases H.R. 8081: Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 increases Medicare reimbursement rates for certain mental health providers H.R. 8487: Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act expands and standardizes Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics under Medicaid and Medicare H.R.8261: Chronic Care Management Improvement Act of 2026 eliminates all cost-sharing for chronic care management services under Medicare Part B S. 4481: IMPACT to Save Moms Act demonstration project for states to test innovative Medicaid and CHIP payment models for maternity care

Lobbying Issues Description: Budget and appropriations for public health, disease and injury prevention, including obesity and related diseases; pandemics and emerging infectious diseases; physical activity; public health preparedness; nutrition programs; environmental health; health equity; community-based public health interventions; public health infrastructure and workforce; maternal health; substance misuse/behavioral health issues; vaccines and immunizations; antimicrobial resistance; public health data modernization. Specific Legislation: 1.Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Act (Not yet introduced) 2.Mental Health Services for Students Act (H.R.5557) 3.Helping Kids Cope Act (Not yet introduced) 4.Advancing Student Services in Schools Today Act (S.2050) 5.Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R.2904/S.1448) 6.RISE from Trauma Act (S.3461/H.R.6625) 7.Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act (Not yet introduced) 8.Reentry Act (H.R. 2586) 9.FY 2027 Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations 10.FY 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development and Drug Administration Appropriations, provisions related to nutrition 11.FY 2026 Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations 12.Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 13.Improving Social Determinants of Health Act (Not yet introduced) 14.The UNDERSTAND Act (Not yet introduced) 15.The TRUTH in Labeling Act (Not yet introduced) 16.Child Nutrition Reauthorization 17.Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (H.R. 6121) 18.Momnibus Act (H.R.7973) 19.Older Americans Act Reauthorization (S.2120) 20.Protecting the Health of Americas Older Adults Act (Not yet introduced) 21.Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization (Not yet introduced) 22.Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (Not yet introduced) 23.The Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2483/S.2121) 24.The PEER Support Act (H.R.2741/S.1329) 25.The Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act (S.931/ H.R.2509) 26.The 9-8-8 Implementation Act (Not yet introduced) 27.Local 988 Response Act (Not yet introduced) 28.Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act (Not yet introduced) 29.The Kid PROOF Act (H.R.6396) 30.EARLY Minds Act (S.779/H.R.1735) 31.Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (H.R.7019) 32.Stabilization to Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act (H.R.8124) 33.FY 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations, provisions related to environment 34.FY 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Drug Administration, provisions related to nutrition 35.Womens Heart Health Expansion Act of 2026 (S.3944) 36.Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act (Not yet introduced) 37.Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention (RAYS) Act (H.R.7092) House(s) of Congress and Federal Agencies lobbied during the quarter: House, Senate, White House Domestic Policy Council, HHS, CDC, FDA, USDA, OMB, HRSA, SAMHSA, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

H.R. 1096: HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025 mandates coverage of three annual primary care visits without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid. H.R. 1867: Removes in-person requirements for mental health services under Medicare. H.R. 1598: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act lifts the age cap for Medicaid buy-in programs for those with disabilities who choose to work S. 752/H.R. 1509: Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act expands Medicaid enrollment across state lines. S. 683: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025 creates workforce incentives under Medicare. H.R. 2540: SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act updates resource limits for SSI income eligibility. Reject cuts to Medicaid and other mental health and or substance use disorder programs in the reconciliation process. Support for state waivers for federal financial participation for services furnished to Medicaid members during short-term stays for acute care in psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment facilities that qualify as institutions for mental disease. -- H.R. 1: One Big Beautiful Bill Act reauthorizes and reforms major federal programs including Medicaid. H.R. 2590: Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act of 2025 establishes a Medicare demonstration program to promote collaborative treatment of mental and physical health comorbidities. S. 1264/H.R. 3320: Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act increases federal Medicaid funding for states providing intensive community-based services for adults with serious mental illness. H.R. 4022: Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for mental health services in institutions for mental diseases for patients under 65. S. 2011/H.R. 3884: Telemental Health Care Access Act removes the statutory requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in-person within six months of being treated for mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. S. 2024/H.R. 3907: Expand Navigators Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity (ENROLL) Act strengthens and expands the navigator program by increasing funding, broadening duties, and ensuring nonprofit participation. H.R. 2495: Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 provides Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy for individuals with eating disorders. H.R. 2263: Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025: permanently expands telehealth services under Medicare H.R. 3384 Telemental Health Care Access Act: Expands Medicaid to include both mental and behavioral health services provided by telehealth. H.R. 4037/S.2847: Occupational Therapy Mental Health parity Act: Clarifies that Medicare covers occupational therapy for mental health and substance use disorders HR 4619 Medicare Mental Health Impatient Equity Act of 2025: Removes the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage on inpatient Psychiatric hospital services. HR 5462: Michelle Alyssa Go Act: Would expand Medicaid coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment by increasing the facility size limit from 16 to 36 beds. S. 2401/H.R. 4745: Medicaid Bump Act: Increase federal Medicaid funds for certain mental health services S. 1797 Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act: expands Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for clinical social workers to provide mental health services S.2050 ASSIST Act: Increases federal Medicaid funding for school-based behavioral health services S.2069/HR 4028: Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act: mandates 12-month continuous enrollment for all individuals in Medicaid and CHIP S.2037/H.R.4313 Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act: Extends Medicare's acute hospital care at home waiver flexibilities S.2709/ H.R.5081: Telehealth Modernization Act: Extends and expands Medicare telehealth flexibilities S.3300/H.R.6408: ANCHOR Act of 2025 allows states to expand Medicaid coverage to low income, uninsured individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders S.3486 Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act: Requires federal guidance to help states strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Medicaid and CHIP S. 3522 No Red Tape for Addiction Treatment Act: Requires State Medicaid programs to cover at least one formulation of each medication for opioid use disorder without prior Authorization H.R. 6096 NEST Act funds and distributes essential newborn supply kits to mothers. S.1816/ H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Streamlining prior authorization to increase timely access to care. Support for the extension of the enhanced advance premium tax credits (eAPTC) Support for an extension or permanent authorization of telehealth/telemental health flexibilities Support for continued access to Medicaid Ensuring that new community engagement requirements do not lead to individuals being unfairly removed from Medicaid. H.R. 7535: Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 requires Medicaid to cover 12 annual mental health telehealth visits for individuals transitioning from incarceration to home confinement. H.R. 5662: Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for coverage of services provided to patients in mental health institutions. H.R. 6296: Advancing Access to Telehealth Act makes several telehealth flexibilities permanent under Medicare. H.R. 6727: Repealing the IMD Exclusion Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in institutions for mental diseases. H.R. 7324: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2026 expands Medicare bonus payments to a wider range of behavioral health practitioners. S. 2709: Telehealth Modernization Act extends and expands Medicare telehealth flexibilities. S. 3521/H.R. 6841: PEERS Act of 2025 expands Medicare to cover peer support services for mental health and substance use recovery. S. 3690: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2026 removes the age limit for working adults with disabilities to qualify for Medicaid buy-in programs. S. 3750: REAL Health Providers Act requires Medicare Advantage plans to maintain accurate provider directories. S. 4076: Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act of 2026 removes the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage for inpatient psychiatric hospital services. S. 4202: Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 increases Medicare reimbursement rates for certain mental health providers.

H.R. 1096: HOPE and Mental Wellbeing Act of 2025 mandates coverage of three annual primary care visits without cost-sharing under Medicare and Medicaid. H.R. 1867: Removes in-person requirements for mental health services under Medicare. H.R. 1598: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act lifts the age cap for Medicaid buy-in programs for those with disabilities who choose to work S. 752/H.R. 1509: Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act expands Medicaid enrollment across state lines. S. 683: More Behavioral Health Providers Act of 2025 creates workforce incentives under Medicare. H.R. 2540: SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act updates resource limits for SSI income eligibility. Reject cuts to Medicaid and other mental health and or substance use disorder programs in the reconciliation process. Support for state waivers for federal financial participation for services furnished to Medicaid members during short-term stays for acute care in psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment facilities that qualify as institutions for mental disease. -- H.R. 1: One Big Beautiful Bill Act reauthorizes and reforms major federal programs including Medicaid. H.R. 2590: Mental and Physical Health Care Comorbidities Act of 2025 establishes a Medicare demonstration program to promote collaborative treatment of mental and physical health comorbidities. S. 1264/H.R. 3320: Strengthening Medicaid for Serious Mental Illness Act increases federal Medicaid funding for states providing intensive community-based services for adults with serious mental illness. H.R. 4022: Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the Medicaid exclusion for mental health services in institutions for mental diseases for patients under 65. S. 2011/H.R. 3884: Telemental Health Care Access Act removes the statutory requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in-person within six months of being treated for mental and behavioral health services through telehealth. S. 2024/H.R. 3907: Expand Navigators Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity (ENROLL) Act strengthens and expands the navigator program by increasing funding, broadening duties, and ensuring nonprofit participation. H.R. 2495: Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 provides Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy for individuals with eating disorders. H.R. 2263: Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025: permanently expands telehealth services under Medicare H.R. 3384 Telemental Health Care Access Act: Expands Medicaid to include both mental and behavioral health services provided by telehealth. H.R. 4037/S.2847: Occupational Therapy Mental Health parity Act: Clarifies that Medicare covers occupational therapy for mental health and substance use disorders HR 4619 Medicare Mental Health Impatient Equity Act of 2025: Removes the 190-day lifetime limit on Medicare coverage on inpatient Psychiatric hospital services. HR 5462: Michelle Alyssa Go Act: Would expand Medicaid coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment by increasing the facility size limit from 16 to 36 beds. S. 2401/H.R. 4745: Medicaid Bump Act: Increase federal Medicaid funds for certain mental health services S. 1797 Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act: expands Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for clinical social workers to provide mental health services S.2050 ASSIST Act: Increases federal Medicaid funding for school-based behavioral health services S.2069/HR 4028: Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act: mandates 12-month continuous enrollment for all individuals in Medicaid and CHIP S.2037/H.R.4313 Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act: Extends Medicare's acute hospital care at home waiver flexibilities S.2709/ H.R.5081: Telehealth Modernization Act: Extends and expands Medicare telehealth flexibilities S.3300/H.R.6408: ANCHOR Act of 2025 allows states to expand Medicaid coverage to low income, uninsured individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders S.3486 Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act: Requires federal guidance to help states strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Medicaid and CHIP S. 3522 No Red Tape for Addiction Treatment Act: Requires State Medicaid programs to cover at least one formulation of each medication for opioid use disorder without prior Authorization H.R. 6096 NEST Act funds and distributes essential newborn supply kits to mothers. S.1816/ H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Streamlining prior authorization to increase timely access to care. Support for the extension of the enhanced advance premium tax credits (eAPTC) Support for an extension or permanent authorization of telehealth/telemental health flexibilities Support for continued access to Medicaid Ensuring that new community engagement requirements do not lead to individuals being unfairly removed from Medicaid.