Advocacy Alert: March 2026 Legislative News Round Up

April 2, 2026

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, NBHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that NBHAP members get access to a monthly update with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

MA | Andover’s Health Insurance Squeeze Mirrors Statewide Trend
Shared 3/3/2026
The increase is based on actuarial projections and current claims trends, and reflects broader cost inflation in the health care system, including higher utilization of specialty drugs, elevated behavioral health usage, and pressures in the stop-loss insurance market.

NE | Advocates raised concerns over proposed Medicaid behavioral health changes in Nebraska
Shared 3/3/2026
Community leaders said proposed changes to service definitions could affect who qualified for care and how providers were reimbursed.

CA | Newsom threatens California counties for failing to use his new mental health court
Shared 3/5/2026
Far fewer people with mental illness are getting help in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court program than expected. This week, he blamed local governments for shortcomings.

MD | Behavioral health advocates seek ‘sensible’ provider payment boost amid workforce shortage
Shared 3/6/2026
Proposed budget would cut $155 million from Behavioral Health Administration; advocates say a 3% rate increase is needed to keep programs running.

TX | Texas Legislature missed most kids behavioral health recommendations, report finds
Shared 3/9/2026
Many of the recommendations focus on increasing access to services that keep children in their homes or communities instead of institutional settings.

MO | Lawmakers confront mental health backlog in Missouri jails
Shared 3/9/2026
More than 500 Missourians are currently awaiting court-ordered mental health services, with individuals stuck in jails without trial and concerns raised about the lack of long-term care options for those ruled permanently incompetent to stand trial.

NM | Haaland outlines public safety plans
Shared 3/11/2026
Democratic gubernatorial candidate proposes revamping CYFD, creating a statewide behavioral health and community safety department.

NH | Amended New Hampshire Senate bill aims to cut down on discarded needles
Shared 3/12/2026
Senate Bill 549 started as an outright ban, prohibiting local governments from funding organizations that engage in harm reduction efforts by distributing clean syringes for free.

PA | Pennsylvania county commissioners call for $40M increase to support mental health services
Shared 3/13/2026
The request for mental health services funding in the next state budget is one of three legislative priorities for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, which lobbies the state government on behalf of county leaders.

OK | Oklahoma City approves support for opioid addiction recovery through sober living
Shared 3/25/2026
Oklahoma City Council has approved a plan to expand sober living support, aiming to help thousands battling opioid addiction, especially those experiencing homelessness.

March 2026 Advocacy Update for NBHAP Members
Shared 3/25/2026
In the March 2026 update, our advocate updates you on the current status of Medicaid reimbursement regulations. Members can access for free.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that NBHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about NBHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.