This bill aims to establish legislative intent regarding appropriations for the fiscal year 2025-26. Specifically, it proposes to allocate $1,500,000 from the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services. The funds are designated for the medical assistance program to reimburse mental health providers who do not operate within a hospital setting and provide services to Medicaid-eligible participants who are also eligible for Medicare. The bill emphasizes the need to address situations where lower rates are paid under Medicare compared to Medicaid rates for behavioral health services.

Additionally, the bill expresses the Legislature's intent to maintain Medicaid rates for mental health providers serving these dual-eligible participants receiving behavioral health services under Program 348, Medical Assistance. This initiative seeks to ensure that mental health providers are adequately compensated for their services, thereby supporting the overall quality of care for individuals who rely on both Medicaid and Medicare.