Tell Congress to Increase Access to Social Work Services in Medicare

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S. 1797/H.R. 3808)

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S.1797/H.R. 3808) is much-needed legislation focused on enhancing access to clinical social worker (CSW) services for Medicare beneficiaries. This important legislation has now been introduced in both chambers of Congress, and we need your help to move it forward. 

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Chris Coons (D-DE) on May 15, 2025, and in the House by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) on June 6, 2025, S. 1797/H.R. 3808 will accomplish the following goals:

• Increase Access to CSW Services for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Residents: Currently, independent CSWs whom the SNF does not employ are unable to seek reimbursement under Medicare Part B for providing psychotherapy services to SNF residents receiving care under Medicare Part A. The legislation will rectify this problem by excluding CSW services from SNF consolidated billing, thereby allowing CSWs to seek reimbursement in these situations, just as psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists are excluded.
• Provide Access to CSW Services That Help Medicare Beneficiaries Who Are Diagnosed with One or More Physical Health Conditions: Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services are cognitive, behavioral, social, and psychophysiological interventions to prevent, treat, and improve physical health and well-being. The services are provided to beneficiaries who present with an established physical illness or symptoms (such as a diagnosis of cancer or an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis) and do not have a diagnosed mental illness. S. 1797/H.R. 3808 would broaden the definition of CSW services in the Social Security Act to enable CSWs to receive reimbursement for HBAI services.

Contact your Senators and Representative TODAY and urge them to co-sponsor this legislation. Help them understand the mental health needs of Medicare beneficiaries in your community and how this legislation will help address those needs. Personalized communication goes a long way with a member of Congress.