NASW Works to Advance Mental Health Bill for Seniors

Practice

NASW has been working with members of Congress to advance the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S. 1797/H.R. 3808). At press time, the bills are in committee.

This legislation was introduced in a bipartisan and bicameral manner by Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Chris Coons, D-Del., and Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Paul Tonko, D-NY. The legislation enhances Medicare beneficiaries’ access to the services provided by independent clinical social workers in two scenarios:

• While residing in a skilled nursing facility and receiving services under Medicare Part A.
• While in need of mental health services because of emotional or psychosocial concerns that arise due to a medical condition.

Clinical social workers are among the professions that can bill Medicare Part B for mental health services and are one of the largest groups of mental health service providers in the United States. They have a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in social work, two years of postgraduate supervised experience in a clinical setting, and a clinical license in their state or jurisdiction of practice. CSWs use a holistic approach in providing services, focusing on biological, psychological, and social factors. Independent licensed CSWs are currently able to bill Medicare Part B for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. However, they are not able to bill Medicare Part B for mental health services provided to residents in skilled nursing facilities. CSWs statutory definition also does not include access to Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention services, even though it’s within the scope of their practice. NASW is urging social workers to urge their members of Congress to co-sponsor the legislation.