H.R. 5662: Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act

This bill, titled the Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act, aims to amend the Medicaid program to provide medical assistance for people in institutions for mental diseases. Currently, Medicaid does not provide coverage for items and services for patients in these institutions. This bill seeks to remove those exclusions, thereby allowing Medicaid to cover costs associated with care for patients residing in such facilities.

Key Provisions

• Removal of Exclusion: The bill proposes to amend the Social Security Act to strike the current exclusion of medical assistance for patients in institutions for mental diseases. This means that services provided to these patients could be covered by Medicaid.
• Age Limit Adjustments: The bill also modifies existing provisions that currently limit Medicaid coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, by allowing coverage for patients under 65 years of age. This change expands access to those in need of institution-based mental health care who are younger than the previous age threshold.
• Effective Date: The changes proposed by the bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2025. All relevant items and services provided from this date forward would fall under the new coverage rules.

Impact on Medicaid

The bill aims to improve access to necessary mental health services for individuals who require institutional care. By expanding Medicaid to cover these costs, the legislation intends to alleviate some of the financial burdens on families and enhance the treatment options available to those struggling with mental health issues.

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