H.R.4022 - Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4022, the Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act, aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the exclusion of items and services for patients in mental health institutions from Medicaid coverage. This bill requires states to submit plans for providing appropriate outpatient care to these patients as a condition for receiving federal Medicaid funds. The goal is to increase access to behavioral health treatment and improve coordination between physical and mental health providers.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand Medicaid coverage to include services provided to patients in institutions for mental diseases (IMDs). States would need to develop and implement plans to increase access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care. This could lead to improved mental health outcomes and reduced reliance on institutionalization.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health treatment for vulnerable populations.
- Improved coordination of care between physical and mental health providers.
- Enhanced availability of crisis stabilization services.
- Potential for reduced long-term healthcare costs through preventative care.
- Better data sharing and monitoring of mental health service utilization.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased financial burden on states to implement and maintain the required plans.
- Potential for increased Medicaid costs overall.
- Risk of insufficient outpatient resources in some areas.
- Possible administrative challenges in coordinating care across different providers.
- Potential for fraud and abuse if oversight is inadequate.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of citizens by expanding access to mental health care. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce and to provide for the general welfare through taxation and spending, which this bill utilizes through the Medicaid program. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).