arrow_back Back to App

Expanded Access to Mental Health Services for Seniors under Medicare

This act aims to improve seniors' access to mental health services under the Medicare program. Changes will allow clinical social workers to provide a broader range of services, including in skilled nursing facilities, enhancing support for older adults.
Key points
Clinical social worker services will now be covered in skilled nursing facilities, removing previous restrictions.
The scope of mental health services provided by clinical social workers will expand to include diagnosis, treatment of mental illnesses, and health and behavior assessment and intervention.
These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing seniors with broader access to support from that date.
Older adults residing in nursing homes will have easier access to specialized psychological help, potentially improving their well-being and quality of life.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1797
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Process start date: 2025-05-15
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_1797.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-05-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Clinical social worker services will now be covered in skilled nursing facilities, removing previous restrictions.
  • The scope of mental health services provided by clinical social workers will expand to include diagnosis, treatment of mental illnesses, and health and behavior assessment and intervention.
  • These changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing seniors with broader access to support from that date.
  • Older adults residing in nursing homes will have easier access to specialized psychological help, potentially improving their well-being and quality of life.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Health Benefits