Urge your Members of Congress to increase Medicare Reimbursement for CSWs

Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act (S. 4202/H.R. 8081)

Since receiving Medicare Part B standing in the early 1990s, the reimbursement rate for Clinical Social Workers (CSWs) has remained at the initially established 75 percent of the clinical psychologist rate under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, even though other non-physician providers are reimbursed at 85 percent. 

Fortunately, Senators John Barrasso, MD (R-WY) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) have taken steps to correct this inequity through the introduction of the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act (S.4202/ H.R. 8081). This critical legislation aligns CSWs Medicare reimbursement rate with other non-physician providers through a 10 percent increase to 85 percent of the clinical psychologist rate.

This realignment comes at a time when more Medicare beneficiaries are seeking mental health services while facing significant provider shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, CSWs currently account for 20 percent of Medicare mental health services and will continue to serve as a critical source of access to meet the growing demand.

Ask your Senators and Representative to support equitable Medicare reimbursement for CSWs, thus allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive the mental health care they need and deserve. Personalized communication goes a long way with a Member of Congress. Urge them to cosponsor the Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act today!