Expanded Access to Mental Health Practitioners through Medicare Rule Changes
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
Medicare is expanding its coverage for mental health care by allowing marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to provide services starting in January. This change aims to address the shortage of behavioral health providers who accept Medicare, as many practitioners have opted out due to low payments and bureaucratic challenges. The expansion also includes adding intensive outpatient care, improving navigation and peer-support services, and expanding mobile crisis services. Advocates hope these changes will improve access to mental health and substance use disorder care for older adults, who often face barriers to receiving treatment. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring adequate reimbursement rates for providers and guaranteeing access to mental health services through Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, legislation proposing mental health parity for Medicare and addressing biases surrounding the mental health of older adults is being considered in Congress.