S. 5236 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Aug 4, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows same-day primary and mental health care
Right now, some state Medicaid programs have rules that prevent them from covering both primary care (like a regular doctor visit) and mental health services when you get them on the same day at the same place. This bill would stop that practice, letting Medicaid pay for both types of care if you receive them together at the same office or clinic.
How it affects you
If you rely on Medicaid in a state with this restriction, you'd be able to see your regular doctor and a mental health provider on the same visit without losing coverage for one of the services. This could make it easier to address your physical and mental health needs at once.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Aug 4, 2026)
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 5236
A BILL
Improving CARE for Youth Act
Sponsor: Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH) · Introduced Aug 4, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Aug 4, 2026: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.”