Reps. Carter, Dunn, Craig Champion the Improving CARE for Youth Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Improving Coordination and Access to Resources Equitably (CARE) for Youth Act. This bipartisan legislation increases access to mental health services for children enrolled in Medicaid.

"This is a common-sense, no-cost fix that removes a bureaucratic barrier standing between patients and the integrated care model that providers already want to deliver. When a doctor identifies a need for behavioral health support, that patient shouldn't have to wait - they should be able to see a provider down the hall, right then and there," said Rep. Carter. "The Improving CARE for Youth Act allows Medicaid to reimburse for behavioral health and primary care services delivered on the same day, at the same visit. This is lifesaving care for patients when they need it most."

Under current Medicaid policy, health care providers generally may only bill for one service per patient per day. As a result, when a child visits a primary care physician and is identified as needing behavioral or mental health services, practices with an integrated mental health provider often cannot bill for both the primary care visit and the same-day mental health service. This outdated billing restriction discourages same-day treatment, forcing many children to schedule a separate appointment and delaying access to critical care.

"Our nation is facing a growing youth mental health crisis, and we should be removing barriers to care, not creating them," said Rep. Dunn. "As a physician, I know that early intervention can make a profound difference in a child's long-term health and well-being. Protecting the future of the youth in our country is too important to be hindered by a Medicaid billing restriction. The Improving CARE for Youth Act ensures children can receive the care they need when they need it."

"We are facing a mental health crisis in our country, and we've got to make sure young people have access to the mental health care they need when they need it," said Rep Craig. "I'm proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill alongside my colleagues that will remove barriers to mental health care for children on Medicaid and ensure a better future for our kids and grandkids."

Read the full bill text here.

###