Repealing the IMD Exclusion Act

This bill removes an age restriction that previously prevented Medicaid from covering mental health care in specialized institutions for people under 65. It amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the "65 years or older" requirement, allowing all age groups to qualify for Medicaid coverage of services at these facilities. The bill also establishes new evidence-based standards for these institutions, requiring them to meet nationally recognized criteria for mental health and substance use disorder care. This change directly affects younger adults with mental health conditions who rely on Medicaid for institutional treatment.