Bill Summary
The "Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act" is a proposed bill aimed at reforming Medicaid provisions related to patients in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). The legislation seeks to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate the current exclusion of medical assistance for services provided to patients in these institutions.
Key changes proposed in the bill include:
1. **Removal of Exclusion**: The bill removes the specific exclusion that prevents Medicaid from covering items and services for patients in IMDs, allowing for greater access to necessary mental health care for individuals in these facilities.
2. **Age Limit Adjustment**: The bill also modifies existing provisions that restrict Medicaid assistance to individuals 65 years of age and older, ensuring that individuals under 65 in IMDs can receive medical assistance as well.
3. **Implementation Date**: The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, applying to services rendered on or after that date.
Overall, this legislation aims to enhance mental health care accessibility for individuals in institutional settings, addressing a significant gap in Medicaid coverage for mental health services.
Possible Impacts
The "Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act" has the potential to significantly impact individuals, particularly those requiring mental health services. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Care for Younger Adults**: By removing the exclusion of Medicaid coverage for patients under 65 years of age in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs), the legislation allows younger adults, who previously may not have had access to necessary mental health services, to receive treatment. This could lead to improved mental health outcomes for individuals struggling with severe mental illnesses who require institutional care and have been unable to afford it without Medicaid coverage.
2. **Financial Relief for Families**: Families of individuals requiring institutional mental health care may experience financial relief as Medicaid will cover the costs associated with treatment in IMDs. This could alleviate the financial burden often associated with such care, allowing families to focus on supporting their loved ones’ recovery rather than worrying about exorbitant medical bills.
3. **Improved Quality of Care and Reduced Stigma**: With Medicaid providing coverage for more comprehensive mental health services in institutions, there may be an overall improvement in the quality of care provided in these facilities. As access to care becomes more normalized and widely accepted, it could contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This may encourage more individuals to seek help and support earlier in their struggles, leading to better societal outcomes related to mental health.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5662 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5662
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the exclusion
from medical assistance under the Medicaid program of items and
services for patients in an institution for mental diseases.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 30, 2025
Mr. Thanedar introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the exclusion
from medical assistance under the Medicaid program of items and
services for patients in an institution for mental diseases.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Access to Institutional
Mental Health Care Act''.
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF MEDICAID EXCLUSION FROM MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OF ITEMS
AND SERVICES FURNISHED TO PATIENTS IN AN INSTITUTION FOR
MENTAL DISEASES.
(a) In General.--The first sentence of section 1905(a) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended, in the matter
following paragraph (32)--
(1) by striking ``such term does not include--'' and all
that follows through ``(A) any'' and inserting ``such term does
not include any'';
(2) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (B).
(b) Conforming Amendments To Permit Medical Assistance for IMD
Patients Under 65 Years of Age.--The following provisions of such Act
are each amended by striking ``65 years of age or older'' and ``65
years of age or over'' each place it appears:
(1) Paragraphs (20) and (21) of section 1902(a) (42 U.S.C.
1396a(a)).
(2) Section 1905(a)(14) (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)(14)).
(3) Section 1919(e)(7)(B)(i)(I) (42 U.S.C.
1396r(e)(7)(B)(i)(I)).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2025, and shall apply to items and services
furnished on or after such date.
<all>