ASSIST Act

The ASSIST Act (Advancing Student Services In Schools Today Act) is a Senate bill that would significantly boost federal financial support for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services delivered to students in schools and school-based health centers. It would create a targeted, higher Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)—potentially up to 90%—for state Medicaid expenditures for services furnished by qualified mental health and SUD providers in school settings, effective the first calendar quarter after 12 months from enactment (with a safeguard to prevent lowering the match if 90% would be less favorable than the existing rate). The bill also establishes a grant program to increase the number of school-based mental health and SUD providers, funded through the Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the Education Department and other entities. It includes reporting requirements and defines who can qualify as an eligible entity and as a provider. Funds may not be used for threat assessment teams. In short, the measure aims to expand access to school-based mental health and addiction services by offering states a substantially larger federal match and by supporting an increase in the provider workforce in schools, with oversight and reporting to track effectiveness.