Improved Access to Mental Health Services under Medicare
This act enhances access to mental health services for individuals covered by Medicare. It increases payment rates for clinical social workers and broadens the scope of services they can provide, including for residents of skilled nursing facilities. These changes aim to make it easier for citizens to receive necessary psychological support.
Key points
Increased payment for clinical social workers providing Medicare services to 85% of the standard fee schedule amount.
Expanded mental health services available to residents of skilled nursing facilities, including clinical social worker services.
Clinical social workers can now provide a wider range of services, including health and behavior assessment and intervention, beyond just diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
These changes take effect on January 1, 2022, allowing citizens to benefit from expanded coverage from that date.
Expired
Citizen Poll