Indian American lawmaker Rep. Shri Thanedar recently introduced legislation to extend Medicaid services to those receiving care in mental health institutions, addressing a critical gap in the current healthcare system.
H.R. 8767, known as the “Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act” seeks to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act that excludes medical assistance provided to patients in institutions for mental diseases from the Medicaid program.
"I lost my first wife to a mental health crisis," stated Rep. Thanedar. "The pain was so deep. No one should have to experience something like that."
He emphasized the urgent need for accessible mental health support, particularly for individuals in institutional settings who often lack adequate support during their most critical times of need.
The Congressman from Michigan highlighted the necessity of prioritizing mental health to the same extent as physical health. "Silent, unseen battles are just as deadly as the ones visible to the naked eye," he said. "It’s high time we started making mental health resources more accessible."
The introduction of H.R. 8767 is part of Congressman Thanedar’s broader advocacy efforts to address the ongoing mental health crisis, a statement from his office noted.
He continues to champion legislation aimed at raising awareness and providing necessary resources for mental health care. "I’m happy to see widespread investment and dedication to legislation like this in Congress," he remarked. "But there is still a lot of work to be done."
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