The American Hospital Association expressed support for the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act, which would eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services for Medicare patients.
What happened
The AHA issued a letter of support for bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). The Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act targets a specific Medicare policy that creates a 190-day lifetime limit on coverage for certain inpatient psychiatric treatment. The AHA represents nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other healthcare organizations, including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, two million nurses and other caregivers, and 43,000 healthcare leaders from professional membership groups. The organization sent the letter on July 22, 2025, addressing all four sponsors of the legislation.
What was said
In their letter to the bill's sponsors, the AHA wrote: "As the nation's population ages and an increasing number of seniors and people with disabilities seek inpatient care to address their behavioral health needs, now is the time to repeal this discriminatory policy and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can receive necessary inpatient psychiatric care."
The AHA stated that "physical and mental health care are inextricably linked, and everyone deserves access to high-quality behavioral health care." They emphasized that "as a country we need to prioritize resources that support behavioral health needs."
The organization noted that eliminating this limit would help "stymie the wave of unmet demand for behavioral health services but also improve America's overall health."
Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Political Affairs, signed the letter expressing gratitude for the representatives' "leadership on this issue" and the AHA's readiness "to work with you to enact this important legislation."
In the know
The 190-day lifetime limit applies specifically to inpatient psychiatric hospital services under Medicare. This limit creates what the AHA calls a "major obstacle to parity" in the Medicare program as healthcare systems work to integrate physical and behavioral health services.
Why it matters
This legislation addresses an inequality in Medicare coverage that specifically discriminates against mental health treatment compared to physical health services. As the aging population increasingly requires behavioral health services, the current 190-day lifetime cap creates a barrier that forces Medicare beneficiaries to either pay out-of-pocket for continued psychiatric care or go without treatment entirely. The AHA's support signals broad healthcare industry backing for mental health parity, potentially strengthening the bill's chances for passage. With major healthcare industry support from the AHA, this bipartisan legislation could eliminate a decades-old discriminatory policy that limits access to essential psychiatric care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.
FAQs
What is the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act?
It is a bipartisan bill that seeks to eliminate Medicare’s 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
How does the 190-day limit affect Medicare beneficiaries?
It forces patients needing long-term psychiatric care to pay out-of-pocket or forgo treatment once the limit is reached.
How does the bill promote mental health parity?
It removes a coverage restriction that does not apply to physical health services, ensuring equal treatment for behavioral health needs.
What role does the AHA play in advancing this legislation?
The AHA has formally expressed support for the bill and pledged to work with lawmakers to help it pass.
