Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., have introduced the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act (S. 3061/H.R. 5674), AHA-supported legislation that would eliminate the Medicare program’s 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric days in freestanding psychiatric facilities.  
 
“As we work to further integrate physical and behavioral health to better address the nation’s behavioral health needs, one major obstacle to parity remains in the Medicare program — the 190-day lifetime limit on coverage for certain inpatient psychiatric treatment,” AHA said in letters of support to the House and Senate sponsors. “With the nation’s population aging and an increasing number of seniors and people with disabilities seeking inpatient care to address their behavioral health needs, now is the time to repeal this discriminatory policy and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can receive necessary inpatient psychiatric care.”
 

Related News Articles

Headline
The AHA April 30 released a report highlighting how hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge…
Headline
The Supreme Court April 29 ruled 7-2 in favor of the Department of Health and Human Services in a case that challenged how HHS applied Congress’ formula for…
Headline
The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a markup April 29 where it advanced the AHA-supported SUPPORT Act (H.R. 2483). The legislation would reauthorize…
Perspective
Public
Congressional lawmakers are heading home for a two-week district work period after both the Senate and House passed a revised budget resolution for fiscal year…
News
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 7 released finalized payment rates for calendar year 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Payments…
Headline
The AHA today urged the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to take specific actions on physician fee schedule payments following recommendations the…