Pennsylvania HR551: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission and Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the reimbursement mechanisms necessary to expand and sustain a robust behavioral health crisis service system in this Commonwealth, specifically analyzing practices of the Medicaid program, Medicare program and private commercial health insurance payors in paying for crisis services and their impact on the sustainability and accessibility of these vital services.

What the bill says

A resolution Directing the Joint State Government Commission and Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the reimbursement mechanisms necessary to expand and sustain a robust behavioral health crisis service system in this Commonwealth, specifically analyzing practices of the Medicaid program, Medicare program and private commercial health insurance payors in paying for crisis services and their impact on the sustainability and accessibility of these vital services.

From the introduced text, June 5, 2026:

A RESOLUTION Directing the Joint State Government Commission and Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the reimbursement mechanisms necessary to expand and sustain a robust behavioral health crisis service system in this Commonwealth, specifically analyzing practices of the Medicaid program, Medicare program and private commercial health insurance payors in paying for crisis services and their impact on the sustainability and accessibility of these vital services. WHEREAS, The Commonwealth recognizes the paramount importance of accessible, timely and comprehensive behavioral health crisis services for its residents; and WHEREAS, Behavioral health crises represent a significant public health challenge, often leading to emergency room overcrowding, avoidable hospitalizations and inadequate support for individuals in acute distress; and WHEREAS, Timely crisis intervention services can help mitigate the risk of self-harm or suicide, prevent the situation from worsening and help individuals return to their previous level of functioning and develop new coping mechanisms to manage future challenges; and WHEREAS, Behavioral health crisis services often serve as critical entry points to care, diverting individuals from unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system and prolonged inpatient psychiatric facilities and providing connection to timely, community-based interventions and recovery supports; and WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has made significant strides in strengthening its behavioral health crisis system, including the implementation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the expansion of mobile crisis …