Improving CARE for Youth Act

This bill, titled the "Improving CARE for Youth Act," amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to mandate Medicaid coverage for mental health services and primary care services when furnished to an individual on the same day. Specifically, it modifies Section 1902(a) to prevent states from prohibiting payment for such services if they would otherwise be covered when provided separately. This ensures that integrated care models, where both physical and mental health needs are addressed concurrently, are fully reimbursed under Medicaid. The legislation defines a "same-day qualifying service" as either a primary care service furnished alongside a mental health service, or vice versa, at the same office, clinic, or other outpatient facility. This applies whether the services are provided by the same provider or different providers within that facility. The intent is to remove financial barriers that might discourage the co-location and integrated delivery of these essential health services.