Improving CARE for Youth Act
Latest action (4 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
Improving CARE for Youth Act (S. 5236) would amend Medicaid law (title XIX of the Social Security Act) to prohibit state Medicaid programs from denying payment for a mental health service and a primary care service provided to the same patient on the same day at the same office, clinic, or outpatient facility—whether by the same provider or different providers there. Currently, some state Medicaid billing rules treat same-day mental health and primary care visits as ineligible for separate reimbursement; this bill would bar plans from applying that restriction, so long as each service would otherwise be payable on its own.
The change affects Medicaid enrollees and the providers and facilities that serve them, particularly integrated or co-located care settings where a patient might see a primary care clinician and a behavioral health clinician during a single visit. By removing the same-day billing barrier, the bill is aimed at facilities that offer both types of care together, though the text itself only addresses payment rules, not staffing, funding levels, or clinical requirements.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 4, 2026, by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) with Sen. Bill Cassidy as a cosponsor, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not yet been voted on in committee or by the full Senate; further action would require committee consideration before any floor vote in the Senate and, separately, House passage, before it could be sent to the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Improving Coordination and Access to Resources Equitably for Youth Act or the Improving CARE for Youth Act
This bill prohibits state Medicaid programs from denying coverage for primary care and mental health services that are furnished on the same day at the same office, clinic, or other outpatient facility.
Common questions
- What does S. 5236 do?
- Improving CARE for Youth Act (S. 5236) would amend Medicaid law (title XIX of the Social Security Act) to prohibit state Medicaid programs from denying payment for a mental health service and a primary care service provided to the same patient on the same day at the same office, clinic, or outpatient facility—whether by the same provider or different providers there. Currently, some state Medicaid billing rules treat same-day mental health and primary care visits as ineligible for separate reimbursement; this bill would bar plans from applying that restriction, so long as each service would otherwise be payable on its own. The change affects Medicaid enrollees and the providers and facilities that serve them, particularly integrated or co-located care settings where a patient might see a primary care clinician and a behavioral health clinician during a single visit. By removing the same-day billing barrier, the bill is aimed at facilities that offer both types of care together, though the text itself only addresses payment rules, not staffing, funding levels, or clinical requirements. The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 4, 2026, by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) with Sen. Bill Cassidy as a cosponsor, read twice, and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. It has not yet been voted on in committee or by the full Senate; further action would require committee consideration before any floor vote in the Senate and, separately, House passage, before it could be sent to the President.
- Has S. 5236 become law?
- Not yet. As of 4 Aug 2026, S. 5236 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5236?
- S. 5236 was sponsored by Sen. Margaret “Maggie” Hassan [D-NH] (Democrat-NH), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5236?
- Introduced (4 Aug 2026).
Related bills in Health
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2026, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Recognizing the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment.
Community Health Worker Access Act
A resolution supporting the designation of October 2026 as “Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month” to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.