Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act

# Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act (HR 5662) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would remove a long-standing federal rule that prevents Medicaid (the government health insurance program for low-income people) from paying for mental health treatment in specialized psychiatric facilities for adults under age 65. Currently, Medicaid can only fund such institutional care through special exceptions called "demonstration waivers." If passed, states could more easily use Medicaid to pay for inpatient mental health treatment in these facilities without needing special permission from the federal government. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects working-age adults (under 65) with mental health conditions who rely on Medicaid for insurance coverage.

It would also impact states, which would gain more flexibility in how they use Medicaid dollars to address mental health needs, and psychiatric hospitals and treatment facilities that provide inpatient care. **Current Status** HR 5662 was introduced by Representative Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.