Bill > HR4022

This bill aims to remove a longstanding Medicaid restriction that previously prevented federal funding for mental health treatment for patients in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs) for individuals under 65 years old. The legislation would require states seeking this expanded Medicaid coverage to submit comprehensive plans demonstrating how they will improve behavioral health care access and quality. Specifically, states must outline strategies to enhance outpatient and community-based mental health services, establish crisis response systems, improve data sharing between healthcare providers, and implement screening processes for co-occurring physical and mental health conditions. States would also be required to annually report detailed data about mental health treatment, including the number of individuals receiving services, length of institutional stays, and subsequent outpatient treatments. The bill seeks to address gaps in mental health treatment by allowing more flexible Medicaid funding and encouraging states to develop more comprehensive, community-integrated behavioral health care systems. By removing the IMD exclusion, the legislation aims to provide more treatment options and support for individuals experiencing serious mental illness, emotional disturbances, or substance use disorders.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4022/all-info