Mental Health Treatment Access Bill

Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act This bill repeals restrictions that generally prohibit federal payment under Medicaid for services provided in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs) for individuals under the age of 65. (Currently, states may receive payment for such services through certain mechanisms, such as through a Medicaid demonstration waiver.) The bill also requires state Medicaid programs that cover IMD services to improve patient access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care, expand crisis stabilization services, facilitate care coordination between providers and first responders, and report specified information relating to IMD utilization and costs.

1. This bill removes limits on Medicaid coverage for patients in mental health institutions. 2. States must create plans to improve outpatient care for these patients. 3. The bill aims to increase access to crisis services and community-based care. 4. It also encourages better coordination between mental health and physical health providers. 5. States will need to report on their progress in improving these services.

Individuals with serious mental illnesses and their families, especially those transitioning from mental health institutions.