Bill · H.R. 10647· House(119-HR-10647)
IMD CARE Act
- Introduced
- 10/1/2026
- Last activity
- 10/1/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Cliff Bentz
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a new option for states to use Medicaid to pay for medical care for adults between the ages of 21 and 65 who have a serious mental illness and are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases. Under Section 2, states can elect this option through a State plan amendment starting on or after January 1, 2027. Payments are limited to a maximum of 30 days of care per individual during any 12-month period. To qualify for these federal funds, states must maintain a specific level of non-federal funding for outpatient and community-based mental health services. Additionally, states must meet various requirements regarding care standards, patient transitions, and the coordination of services. The legislation aims to help people get the mental health care they need while ensuring they stay connected to their local communities.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The legislation expands Medicaid coverage options for inpatient mental health care and requires states to maintain community-based mental health funding.
Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes?+6
The bill creates a new Medicaid State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for individuals with serious mental illness in institutions for mental diseases.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
The bill specifically benefits individuals with serious mental illnesses by expanding access to inpatient and community-based mental health services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Access to Short-Term Inpatient Care: Section 2 (adding new section 1915(m)(1)) allows states to provide Medicaid coverage for medical care furnished to eligible individuals in certain institutions for mental diseases, which could help people get specialized inpatient care when they need it most.
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Protection of Community Mental Health Funding: Section 2 (adding new section 1915(m)(3)(A)) requires states to maintain their spending on outpatient and community-based mental health services at fiscal year 2023 levels, ensuring that local care options are not defunded.
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Improved Care Transitions and Housing Support: Section 2 (adding new section 1915(m)(4)(C)) requires facilities to help transition patients back to the community, connect them with local providers, assess whether they have access to housing, and follow up with discharged beneficiaries within 72 hours.
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Screening for Co-occurring Conditions: Section 2 (adding new section 1915(m)(4)(E)) mandates that institutions screen enrollees for co-morbid physical health conditions, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation, ensuring these critical health issues are treated.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Strict Limits on Inpatient Duration: Section 2 (adding new section 1915(m)(2)) caps federal Medicaid payments for care in an institution for mental diseases at a maximum of 30 days during any 12-month period, which could cut off funding for patients who require longer-term inpatient treatment.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7Increases Medicaid Funding+6Improves Healthcare Access+5Improves Opioid Crisis Response+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Young Adults+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+3Reduces Homelessness+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+4
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York