Crisis Care Access Act of 2024

S 5112, the Crisis Care Access Act of 2024, expands Medicare coverage for hospital-based crisis stabilization services starting January 1, 2027. It adds these services to Medicare’s payment system, directly affecting hospitals providing mental health/substance use crisis care and Medicare beneficiaries experiencing such crises. Key provisions require hospitals to offer 24/7 multidisciplinary staffing (including psychiatrists, nurses, and certified peer support specialists), document referrals, and provide specific services like suicide/violence risk screenings, observation care (up to 23 hours), and physical health assessments. The bill mandates hospitals meet these standards to receive Medicare payment for crisis stabilization services.