Congress reintroduces the Michelle Alyssa Go Act, a critical step for county behavioral health systems

Key Takeaways

On May 28, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act (H.R. 8575) was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the number of federal Medicaid-eligible in-patient psychiatric beds from 16 to 36, providing critical support for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.  

Michelle Alyssa Go Act

The Michelle Alyssa Go Act would provide needed reforms to federal Medicaid policy that prohibits reimbursement for care provided in psychiatric or residential treatment facilities with more than 16 beds, defined as Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs).  Through these reforms the bill:

• Addresses a significant gap in mental health and substance use disorder treatment access by offering critical support for those who require intensive treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.  
• Ensures that facilities not only increase their capacity but also maintain high-quality care standards by mandating that mental health facilities receiving federal Medicaid funding meet nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for their programs. 

Importance to counties 

Counties play a pivotal role in the nation's behavioral health system, acting as the safety net for residents in need. They serve as first responders and operate crisis lines, public hospitals and detention centers. About two-thirds of the U.S. population relies on county-based behavioral health services through more than 750 county-supported or operated behavioral health authorities. In nearly every state and the District of Columbia, at least one mental health facility is operated by a county, local or municipal government. Furthermore, counties help finance and administer Medicaid services, the largest funding source for behavioral health services in the United States.

Without reforms to the Medicaid IMD exclusion policy, patients will continue to be diverted from capable mental healthcare institutions, leading to an overreliance on emergency departments or leaving residents with no care at all. This diversion not only places financial burdens on counties but also creates administrative complexities.  

Enactment of the Michelle Alyssa Go Act would expand the treatment capacity of county-operated hospitals and behavioral health facilities. It would promote equitable access to treatment options for low-income individuals by increasing the number of Medicaid-eligible beds. This legislative change would remove significant obstacles to providing a full continuum of care, improving the overall health and well-being of communities. 

Write to your members of Congress in support of the Michelle Alyssa Go Act today! 

• Sample Letter
• Contact your Representative
• Contact your Senator  

NACo Endorses the Michelle Alyssa Go Act  NACo’s Letter to Congress