Repealing the IMD Exclusion Act
Summary
H.R. 6727, the "Repealing the IMD Exclusion Act," aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The bill seeks to remove the exclusion of medical assistance under Medicaid for items and services provided to patients in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs). This includes repealing age restrictions and establishing required standards for IMDs to qualify for Medicaid funding.
Expected Effects
The Act would expand Medicaid coverage to include services provided in IMDs, potentially increasing access to mental healthcare. It also sets new standards for IMDs to ensure quality of care. This could lead to increased federal spending on mental health services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental healthcare for individuals with mental illnesses.
- Elimination of age-based discrimination in Medicaid coverage for IMD services.
- Establishment of national standards for IMDs, potentially improving the quality of care.
- Potential for earlier intervention and treatment of mental health conditions.
- Reduced burden on state and local governments for funding mental health services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending on Medicaid, potentially leading to higher taxes or cuts in other programs.
- Potential for fraud and abuse in IMD billing practices.
- Risk of inadequate oversight and enforcement of IMD standards.
- Possible shift of individuals from community-based mental health services to institutional care.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term impact on the quality and accessibility of mental healthcare.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the "general Welfare" clause of the Constitution (Preamble). It also relates to Congress's power to tax and spend for the general welfare. The expansion of Medicaid falls under the scope of the Social Security Act, which has been upheld as constitutional.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).