Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 4022
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4022Health
Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act
INTRO JUN 17· LAST ACTION JUN 17
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
7BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill tackles a long-standing issue known as the 'IMD exclusion,' which has limited access to inpatient behavioral health care for many Medicaid beneficiaries. If it becomes law, it could significantly increase the availability of treatment options for people struggling with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, potentially reducing reliance on emergency rooms for crisis care and improving overall health outcomes.
Voters should care because it addresses a critical gap in mental health and addiction care funding, potentially easing the burden on families and communities. By requiring states to plan for robust outpatient and crisis services, the bill also pushes for a more integrated and accessible behavioral health system. Without this bill, the IMD exclusion would remain, continuing to restrict Medicaid coverage for inpatient care and leaving many individuals without access to necessary longer-term treatment.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Removes the federal prohibition that prevents Medicaid from covering services for adults under 65 in larger residential mental health or substance use disorder facilities (Institutions for Mental Diseases).
This directly expands Medicaid coverage for inpatient behavioral health treatment, potentially increasing access to care for thousands of individuals.
PROVISION 02
Requires states to develop and submit plans to increase access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care, especially for individuals transitioning from inpatient facilities.
This ensures that expanded inpatient coverage is paired with a strategic focus on supporting individuals in less restrictive, community settings.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that state plans include improved crisis stabilization services and better data sharing and coordination between physical health, mental health, addiction treatment providers, and first responders.
This aims to create a more effective and integrated crisis response system and improve patient care coordination across different services.
PROVISION 04
Requires states to implement policies ensuring that individuals in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment settings are screened for and receive care for co-occurring physical health conditions and substance use disorders.
This promotes holistic care by addressing the common issue of multiple health conditions existing simultaneously.
PROVISION 05
Requires states to annually report to the federal government on the costs, utilization, length of stay, and post-discharge outpatient treatment for individuals in these facilities.
This provision ensures transparency and accountability regarding how expanded Medicaid funds are used and the effectiveness of the treatment provided.
This bill tackles a long-standing issue known as the 'IMD exclusion,' which has limited access to inpatient behavioral health care for many Medicaid beneficiaries. If it becomes law, it could significantly increase the availability of treatment options for people struggling with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, potentially reducing reliance on emergency rooms for crisis care and improving overall health outcomes.
Voters should care because it addresses a critical gap in mental health and addiction care funding, potentially easing the burden on families and communities. By requiring states to plan for robust outpatient and crisis services, the bill also pushes for a more integrated and accessible behavioral health system. Without this bill, the IMD exclusion would remain, continuing to restrict Medicaid coverage for inpatient care and leaving many individuals without access to necessary longer-term treatment.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Removes the federal prohibition that prevents Medicaid from covering services for adults under 65 in larger residential mental health or substance use disorder facilities (Institutions for Mental Diseases).
This directly expands Medicaid coverage for inpatient behavioral health treatment, potentially increasing access to care for thousands of individuals.
high
Requires states to develop and submit plans to increase access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care, especially for individuals transitioning from inpatient facilities.
This ensures that expanded inpatient coverage is paired with a strategic focus on supporting individuals in less restrictive, community settings.
med
Mandates that state plans include improved crisis stabilization services and better data sharing and coordination between physical health, mental health, addiction treatment providers, and first responders.
This aims to create a more effective and integrated crisis response system and improve patient care coordination across different services.
med
Requires states to implement policies ensuring that individuals in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment settings are screened for and receive care for co-occurring physical health conditions and substance use disorders.
This promotes holistic care by addressing the common issue of multiple health conditions existing simultaneously.
med
Requires states to annually report to the federal government on the costs, utilization, length of stay, and post-discharge outpatient treatment for individuals in these facilities.
This provision ensures transparency and accountability regarding how expanded Medicaid funds are used and the effectiveness of the treatment provided.
First day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment (or each year of a 2-year session)
Exception for States requiring legislation to comply with new requirements
Each year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph
Annual reporting to the Secretary on specified metrics
GLOSSARY
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Institution for Mental Diseases (IMD)
A hospital, nursing facility, or other institution of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing diagnosis, treatment, or care of persons with mental diseases, including medical attention, nursing care, and related services.
Medicaid
A federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
Outpatient Care
Medical care or treatment that does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or facility; services are provided on a non-residential basis.
Crisis Stabilization Services
A range of services designed to help individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis, including crisis call centers, mobile crisis units, and community-based services.
Co-occurring Conditions
When a person has two or more medical or mental health conditions at the same time, such as a mental illness and a substance use disorder, or a physical illness and a mental illness.
Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
Mental health conditions that result in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 17, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 17, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
A medical condition in which a person uses alcohol or other drugs that lead to an inability to control their use, despite harmful consequences.
Utilization Review
A process used by health insurers or Medicaid agencies to determine if a medical service, treatment plan, or facility stay is medically necessary and appropriate.
