Grassroots Action Center
Mental Health Counselors are primary health care providers serving Medicare beneficiaries with serious mental health conditions, yet they are reimbursed at only 75% of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS)—a significant disparity that undermines recruitment, retention, and access to care for seniors.
The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act addresses this inequity by increasing Medicare reimbursement for Mental Health Counselors to 85% of the PFS. This increase has profound implications for America's aging population and the Counseling workforce serving them.
Why This Matters:
- 15.5 million Medicare beneficiaries will need mental health care from Licensed Professional Counselors by 2030; current provider supply is critically insufficient.
- Approximately 20% of adults aged 65+ report symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
- Current reimbursement inequity discourages Counselors from serving Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Better reimbursement directly increases recruitment and retention, expanding mental health care access for seniors.
The Impact:
Increasing reimbursement to 85% sends a clear message: Medicare values mental health care and the professionals delivering it. This change will:
- incentivize providers to serve older adults with mental health conditions.
- expand mental health care access for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.
- strengthen the Counseling workforce serving our aging population.
- reduce health disparities by supporting providers in rural and underserved areas.
The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act (S.B. 4202/H.R. 8081) is a straightforward, evidence-based policy ensuring that seniors have access to affordable, accessible mental health care from qualified professionals. Contact your members of Congress today and urge support for this critical legislation.
