Pine State News

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King is cosponsoring a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would improve access to behavioral services for older Americans. The Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023 would increase Medicare’s reimbursement rate for clinical social workers, aligning it with that of other non-physician providers, and ensuring clinical social workers can provide their full range of services to Medicare beneficiaries.

“Accessible and reliable healthcare is vital for seniors across Maine, especially for those in our most rural communities,” said Senator King. “The Improving Access to Mental Health Act ensures that more mental healthcare providers, including clinical social workers, can offer their full range of services to Maine’s Medicare beneficiaries—many of whom live many miles from the nearest physician. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for prioritizing the healthcare and well-being of our older Americans.”

The Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023 would increase the Medicare payment reimbursement rate for clinical social workers from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule. This would align Medicare payments for clinical social workers with that of other non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This new payment structure would incentivize trained and licensed professionals to care for more seniors in their communities. The bill also ensures clinical social workers can provide psychosocial services to patients in nursing homes, and the full range of Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services within their scope of practice.

Joining Senator King on the bill are Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Barrasso (R-WY) and Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

Senator King is a long-time advocate for the availability and accessibility of telemedicine. With expanded telemedicine services only authorized through 2024 and requiring a permanently extension to prevent a devastating rollback to pre-pandemic legal restrictions, Senator King co-sponsored of the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act and the Telehealth Modernization Act which make current telehealth flexibilities permanent and ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue enjoying access to telemedicine. Senator King also introduced the CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, and co-sponsored the TREAT Act, to address interstate medical professional licensing issues.

Access to high-speed, affordable broadband also remains an obstacle to widespread adoption of telemedicine, but one that Senator King has worked to address. He helped pass the two largest investments in broadband infrastructure ever, with the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan. In the years ahead, Maine is expected to receive over $400 million to improve connectivity through affordable high-speed, future-proof broadband infrastructure. This, in turn, will help expand the reach of telehealth opportunities in all corners of the state.

Original source can be found here.