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).
This legislation was introduced in a bipartisan and bicameral manner by Senators John Barrasso, MD (R-WY) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20). The legislation enhances Medicare beneficiaries’ access to the valuable services provided by independent clinical social workers in two scenarios:
- While residing in a skilled nursing facility and receiving services under Medicare Part A; and
- While in need of mental health services because of emotional or psychosocial concerns that arise due to a medical condition
You can review the Issue Brief on the legislation on the NASW website. NASW urges social workers to respond to NASW’s action alert to urge their members of Congress to cosponsor the legislation.