Fitzpatrick unveils bipartisan bill to support patients in mental health institutions

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on April 1 introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide coverage and payment for services to individuals who are patients in institutions for mental diseases during the COVID-19 public health emergency and for another 180 days thereafter.

“Communities across our country were struggling with the ever-growing mental health epidemic prior to COVID, and the effects of the pandemic have only exponentially increased these struggles,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative we ensure all citizens have the opportunity to receive the care they need and deserve.”

The congressman signed on as an original cosponsor of H.R. 2297 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) to temporarily remove exceptions that block institutions of mental disease (IMD) from getting Medicaid support, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office. 

The federal government does not currently allocate federal Medicaid funding to states for IMDs and their services, the summary says, noting that unless an IMD patient is 65 years or older, the individual cannot receive Medicaid coverage for services provided by the IMD even if they are Medicaid-eligible.

“Since first coming to Congress, I have prioritized access to care issues stemming from the IMD exclusion,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to partner with my good friend Congressman Boyle in our joint mission to increase access to crucial support to the millions of those struggling in our country.”

Rep. Boyle added that H.R. 2297 would “help those with mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorders get the necessary treatments they need, especially during this time of isolation and helplessness.”

The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.