We’re Told Feds Won’t Approve More Than 16 Beds, But Federal CMS Is Actually Evaluating Relaxing Its IMD Requirement

"Historically, federal law has prohibited Medicaid from paying for IMD services provided to Medicaid enrollees between the ages of 21 and 64. As a result, when these particular Medicaid beneficiaries need emergency psychiatric treatment, they may seek services in general hospital emergency departments where services may not be matched to their needs or in psychiatric hospitals where the care is appropriate but reimbursement is not provided. This has been detrimental to Medicaid beneficiaries, hospitals, and State Medicaid programs."