WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators John Barrasso, MD (R-WY) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) have taken steps to increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for clinical social workers (CSWs) for the first time since the 1990s.
The Mental Health Access and Provider Access Act (S. 4202/ H.R. 8081), which was introduced on March 25, is bipartisan, straightforward legislation that increases reimbursement, from 75 percent to 85 percent, for clinical social workers (CSWs) who provide Medicare mental health services. This increase not only helps alleviate the financial strain CSWs face when treating Medicare beneficiaries, but it aligns CSWs’ reimbursement with other non-physician providers under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
This adjustment in reimbursement comes at a time when more Medicare beneficiaries are seeking mental health services while facing significant provider shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, CSWs currently account for 20 percent of Medicare mental health services and will continue to serve as a critical source of access to meet the growing demand.
According to Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW, “providing adequate reimbursement for CSWs not only increases compensation that has remained stationary since the 1990s but ensures their ability to provide much-needed support and services to Medicare beneficiaries who need critical mental health services. This legislation would help clinical social workers support those experiencing mental health crises without concern for reimbursement.”
Links to members of Congress press releases:
Senator Barrasso: https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-coons-introduce-bill-to-support-mental-health-service-providers/
Representative Fitzptrick: https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/3/fitzpatrick-tonko-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-strengthen-mental-health-workforce-and-expand-access-to-care
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