May 2021 Practice Alert
On January 18, 2021, Optum Pay, a platform of UnitedHealthcare, launched an upgraded version of its payment management system, Optum Pay premium.
Mirean Coleman, MSW, LICSW, CT, Clinical Manager
Beginning January 1, 2020 Clinical Social Workers who are in independent practice and provide psychotherapy services to Medicare beneficiaries, must submite Medicare claims using the new MBIs to avoid claim rejections.
Yael "Ellie" Silverman, MSW, LICSW
The current policy is the Paul Wellston and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA was enhanced by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. Current expectations and how they impact clinical social workers and patients are outlined in this practice perspective.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is committed to advocacy that preserves equal access to health care for all Americans.
Mirean Coleman, MSW, LICSW, CT
NASW members are seeking reimbursement clarifications when performing psychotherapy services to Medicare Part B beneficiaries who do not wish to use their Medicare benefits. In such situations, a clinical social worker may opt-out of Medicare. This means that the clinical social worker cannot bill Medicare for any services they perform. Instead, reimbursement is received from the Medicare beneficiary under the terms of a private contract.
The 2015 Final Physician Fee Schedule was released in the Federal Register on November 13, 2014 and provides regulations for clinical social workers who provide psychotherapy services. Clinical social workers should note these changes to keep their Medicare practice running smoothly and effectively.