KATKO INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today introduced a bipartisan measure to expand access to mental health services. The Mental Health Improvement Act would add licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to Medicare’s network of eligible service providers. Currently, these highly qualified providers are not able to bill Medicare for their services, despite providing care to seniors and individuals with disabilities. By making this simple change, patients nationwide – especially in rural, underserved communities – will have better access to care. Katko introduced the measure with Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05).
Katko, who has long championed improving mental health care services in Central New York through his Mental Health Task Force with Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, said, “This measure will not only increase access to care for older Americans in communities nationwide, but it will help alleviate the strain on our nation’s mental health and addiction workforce. I’ll continue to fight at home in Central New York and in Washington to ensure individuals and families receive the care they need.”
Medicare currently covers mental health services provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses. However, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists—who have equivalent education and training to clinical social workers—are not eligible to be reimbursed by Medicare. These professionals already provide approximately 40 percent of mental health services. Including them in Medicare’s network of eligible service providers would make over 165,000 more licensed practitioners available to help beneficiaries.
Local and national mental healthcare service providers and advocates applauded the introduction of this legislation:
Karen Winters Schwartz, President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Syracuse said, "There are many social injustices that those dealing with serious mental illness face. Poor access to good medical care is a grave injustice, leading to increased hospitalization, loss of productivity, loss of relationships, homelessness, suicide, etc. In the end, the cost to society is morally and fiscally catastrophic. Congressman Katko understands this and I commend him for his efforts. The Mental Health Access Improvement Act will be a positive step in providing justice to those of our population who suffer daily with these neurological, brain-based illnesses."
Dr. Thomas Schwartz, M.D., Professor and Interim Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical University stated, “Regarding the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, I think this is an important step which should ideally help us to begin delivering a greater amount of psychological care to those who are elderly and receive Medicare benefits. The professionals covered under this legislation have trained hard at accredited institutions and have developed skill sets that will help those who are older in regard to depression, anxiety and to manage the stress associated with aging. This is a good deal for mental health agencies across the U.S. and should allow us to provide greater access and mental health care to those of geriatric age who are in need of psychological health."
“We at ARISE are dedicated to increasing access to mental health supports in the community and are committed to literally ‘meeting people where they are’ by offering services in a variety of community settings and even in people's homes. This legislation clearly aligns with the ARISE mission because it expands the available supports for seniors and families,” said Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE.
“The American Counseling Association is extremely grateful to Congressmen John Katko and Mike Thompson for taking leadership on a critical issue facing Medicare beneficiaries; lack of access to mental health care across the country,” said Art Terrazas, Director of Government Affairs at the American Counseling Association. “Licensed mental health counselors provide vital services to patients from all walks of life and this long overdue legislation would bridge the coverage gap once someone turns 65.”
Congressman Katko represents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.
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