Bill would support emergency psychiatric care for Medicaid patients

The American Hospital Association on May 10 expressed its support for the Medicaid Psychiatric Hospital Fairness Act (H.R. 2050), which would allow non-public hospitals to receive appropriate reimbursement for Medicaid beneficiaries who require emergency treatment and stabilization. While the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requires all hospitals to stabilize anyone needing emergency medical care, the Medicaid program currently prevents non-public psychiatric hospitals from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for patients aged 21-64.

“As a result, these hospitals are burdened with an unfunded mandate,” AHA said in a letter to bill sponsors Reps. Tom Allen (D-ME) and Barbara Cubin (R-WY). Allowing non-public psychiatric hospitals to receive Medicaid reimbursement for patients aged 21-64 “will relieve overcrowding in emergency departments and provide the appropriate care these patients deserve in a more timely manner,” AHA said.

[ via AHA News Now ]