Us Congress House Bill HB9422

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/27/24
• Refer: 8/27/24

Caption

Recovery Act

Impact

The implementation of HB 9422 is expected to have significant implications for state Medicaid programs. By offering a new option for states to provide medical assistance, the bill will likely increase state capacity to support individuals needing intensive mental health services. Furthermore, the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) will be temporarily raised to 90% for the first five years for services provided under this new amendment, ensuring financial support to state programs addressing mental health.

Summary

House Bill 9422, also known as the 'Recovery Act', aims to amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to provide a new State plan amendment option that allows for medical assistance for eligible individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases. This bill is designed to enhance the availability of healthcare services for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders by permitting states to extend Medicaid coverage to such individuals in specified facilities starting January 1, 2025.

Contention

However, the proposed legislation may face challenges related to its implementation and funding. Critics may argue about the capacity of states to manage the additional burden and ensure quality care in institutions, particularly given the incremental nature of behavioral healthcare reforms and the existing strain on Medicaid resources. There is also potential contention about the criteria for eligibility and the types of services that will be covered, especially in relation to withdrawal management and 24-hour nursing care. Stakeholders will need to navigate these complexities to ensure effective integration of these mental health services into the broader healthcare continuum.