Policy Updates

With Congress failing to extend the COVID-19 era Medicare telehealth flexibilities beyond September 30, licensed clinical social workers and other Medicare providers are forced to confront fresh uncertainty surrounding the statutory requirements applicable when providing Medicare services via telehealth.

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Beginning in May, the Department of Education began a negotiated rulemaking process to create new rules that would restrict which employers qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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NASW has been working with our champions in Congress to advance the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S. 1797/H.R. 3808).

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On Friday, July 4, the Republican-led budget bill was signed into law. The bill, officially named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is the first of this Congress to use the reconciliation process. Both chambers agreed to speed up the timeline for bill drafting, markup, and passage through a detailed and highly partisan process.

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Throughout the pandemic NASW highlighted the critical importance of telehealth. The audio-only provision ensures that individuals without reliable internet access or those uncomfortable with video technology can still receive therapy and counseling. The delayed in-person requirement addresses barriers such as transportation challenges and geographic isolation, which often prevent clients from accessing consistent care

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On March 11, 2025, the U.S. House passed a six-month continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through September 30, 2025. The U.S. Senate passed the same resolution on March 14, 2025. The CR included extending the Medicare authority to cover telehealth through September 30, 2025.

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Congress has until the end of March to act on extending telehealth flexibilities in Medicare. NASW is advocating for extension of the telehealth flexibilities or to make them permanent.

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Since its founding in 1955, NASW has worked to advance the social work profession and improve policies that directly impact the lives of social workers and their clients. Through dedicated advocacy and public policy efforts, NASW has tackled legislative challenges, fought for better policies, and expanded access to critical mental health services. Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP, NASW’s Public Policy and Advocacy Manager, shared insights into the organization’s work on key initiatives and some of the challenges faced. Pushing for the Improving Access to Mental Health Act For nearly a decade, NASW has been advocating for the passage ...

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Yesterday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that over 1 million public service workers, including social workers, received student loan debt cancellation through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program during their administration.

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On October 3, 2024, a Trump-appointed judge in Missouri ruled in favor of the Attorneys General in eight states, led by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to block a yet-to-be finalized rule from the Biden-Harris Administration that aimed to provide student loan debt relief to millions of borrowers.

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