Tips and Tools for Social Workers

September is National Recovery Month which was established in 1989 with the purpose of advancing evidence-based treatment and recovery methods for those impacted by mental health and substance use conditions. Throughout Recovery Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) acknowledges the importance of stable housing, the need to provide resources pertaining to social determinants of health that may affect recovery efforts, and the need for improved health and wellness outcomes. 

NASW appreciates the opportunity to submit comments on CMS–1807–P, Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the revisions of Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments. The association supports CMS’s strategy to create an equitable health care system that results in better access to care, quality, affordability, and innovation.

NASW observes National Suicide Prevention Month this September, including the National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8, 2024 – September 14) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). The association also acknowledges social workers who support those affected by suicide. Over 48,100 individuals in the United States lose their lives to suicide annually, making it the 11th leading cause of death nationwide. Globally, more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year.

The role of social workers in substance use treatment is multifaceted, and they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and educational resources to offer psychosocial services to individuals, families, and communities that may be experiencing substance use problems. Social workers are important healthcare providers in assisting individuals with substance use disorders as they help remove barriers to treatment.

NASW responded to a public review of the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for potential revisions to be made public in 2028. The SOC classifies all occupations where work is performed for pay or profit. It is designed to cover all jobs in the national economy including public, private, and military occupations.

Optum Behavioral Health Care has informed NASW that a second wave of recovery overpayments will take place between August 2-8, 2024.  The recovery may impact clinical social workers who are Optum Behavioral Health Care providers and provided services to Medicare Advantage Plan beneficiaries and were reimbursed incorrectly at 100 percent of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Physician Fee Schedule. The recovery seeks 25 percent of the 100 percent reimbursement. The Social Security Act, Section 1833 (a)(1)(F), confirms that clinical social workers are paid 75 percent of the physician fee schedule.