North Texas News

Congressman Michael C. Burgess expressed his satisfaction with the Inclusion of the Improving Mental Health and Drug Treatment Act in the minibus, stating, “Our nation is struggling with a substance use epidemic and mental health crisis, resulting in thousands of American lives being lost every single day. Allocating resources and expanding access to care should be the highest priority, and it is critical to act intentionally.”

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres also welcomed the development, saying, “The inclusion of the Improving Mental Health and Drug Treatment Act of 2023 within the health extender section of the Minibus bill is a welcome development that holds great potential for the future of mental health care in this nation.” Torres emphasized the importance of the Act in providing care for individuals with substance use disorders and severe mental illnesses who often lack sufficient resources to access treatment.

The Improving Mental Health and Drug Treatment Act aims to lift the IMD Exclusion and make the state plan amendment option permanent to finance and provide Medicaid covered services to individuals with substance use disorders residing in an Institute for Mental Diseases (IMD). This legislative solution is significant in addressing the crisis faced by many families who have lost loved ones due to a lack of affordable care for mental health conditions.

The bipartisan effort between Congressman Burgess and Representative Torres highlights the importance of collaboration in Congress to address critical issues. Burgess commended the inclusion of the Act in the minibus, stating that it will provide communities with the necessary federal support to administer Medicaid covered services and deliver high-quality care to patients struggling with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.