Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act

This bill requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states within 12 months of enactment. The guidance will help states use Medicaid and CHIP programs to boost mental health and substance use disorder care provider education, training, recruitment, and retention - especially in rural and underserved areas. It specifically directs states to leverage existing Medicaid tools like section 1115 waivers and authorities under Titles XIX/XXI of the Social Security Act. The bill directly affects states administering Medicaid and CHIP, aiming to strengthen their behavioral health workforce capacity through concrete program strategies.