WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5797, the IMD CARE Act, authored by Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA) by a bipartisan vote of 261-155.
H.R. 5797 will allow state Medicaid programs from FY2019 through FY2023 to remove the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) exclusion for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 21-64 with an opioid use disorder. Under the bill, Medicaid would pay for up to 30 total days of care in an IMD during a 12-month period. H.R. 5797 previously passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by voice vote.
Passing with H.R. 5797 was an amendment offered by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), which would expand the definition to provide coverage for individuals seeking treatment from cocaine and crack cocaine usage.
“The opioid crisis has impacted families across the country in record numbers. The targeted removal of this outdated law that has become a barrier to care will allow Medicaid to cover the cost of care for adult patients who need specialized inpatient treatment for opioid misuse, helping these vulnerable patients get the critical treatment and services they need," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). “We applaud Rep. Walters for her leadership on this bipartisan proposal, which will improve the continuum of care for patients seeking treatment all across the country."
“The vast majority of drug overdose deaths in this country are due to opioid abuse. We can properly address the growing opioid epidemic, by ensuring those struggling with addiction have access to quality care. Unfortunately, current law prohibits some Medicaid-eligible patients from seeking inpatient addiction treatment at IMDs," said Rep. Walters. “The IMD Care Act will repeal the IMD exclusion to help those battling opioid addiction get the help they need to rebuild their lives."
Yesterday, the House passed 18 bills to combat the opioid crisis, 12 of which went through the Energy and Commerce Committee or contained provisions within the committee’s jurisdiction.
