This legislative proposal aims to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals enrolled in the Medicare Program. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries face a restriction on the total number of days they can receive such care over their lifetime. The bill specifically amends Section 1812 of the Social Security Act , which governs the scope of Medicare benefits, to remove the statutory language imposing this limitation. By doing so, it seeks to ensure more equitable access to necessary mental health care for beneficiaries. These amendments are slated to become effective for all items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027 .
Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2023
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Health
Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4619| House
| Updated: 7/22/2025
This legislative proposal aims to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services for individuals enrolled in the Medicare Program. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries face a restriction on the total number of days they can receive such care over their lifetime. The bill specifically amends Section 1812 of the Social Security Act , which governs the scope of Medicare benefits, to remove the statutory language imposing this limitation. By doing so, it seeks to ensure more equitable access to necessary mental health care for beneficiaries. These amendments are slated to become effective for all items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027 .