HR 5462119th CongressIn Committee

Michelle Alyssa Go Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10] (D-New York)

Civil Rights & Justice

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Michelle Alyssa Go Act amends the Medicaid program's definition of "institution for mental diseases" (IMD) to create an exception for smaller facilities. Currently, Medicaid has restrictions on covering services in IMDs, which limits access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. This bill would exclude facilities with 36 beds or fewer from the IMD definition if they meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for mental health and substance use disorder programs. By removing these smaller facilities from the IMD classification, the bill would allow Medicaid to cover services provided in these settings, potentially expanding access to mental health and addiction treatment for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Key Points

1Redefines "institution for mental diseases" under Medicaid to exclude facilities with 36 beds or fewer that meet specific quality standards
2Requires excluded facilities to meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for mental health programs approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services
3For facilities treating substance use disorders, requires compliance with standards such as those from the American Society of Addiction Medicine
4Standards must address types of services offered, hours of clinical care, staffing credentials, and other requirements determined by the Secretary
5Takes effect 180 days after enactment and applies to state Medicaid plans beginning on that date

Impact Areas

Medicaid beneficiaries with mental illness or substance use disorders: Expanded access to treatment in smaller residential facilities previously excluded from coverageSmall mental health and addiction treatment facilities: Ability to serve Medicaid patients and receive reimbursement if they meet quality standardsState Medicaid programs: Required to update their plans to accommodate the new definition and potentially increased coverage obligationsFederal and state budgets: Potential increased Medicaid expenditures due to expanded coverage of mental health and substance use disorder services

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