On December 23, Congress passed a $1.7 trillion package that keeps the federal government from closing while also giving away legislative goods for the holidays.
These include, among other things, revisions to pension laws through the Secure 2.0 Act and Medicare coverage through the Improved Mental Health Access Act.
Recent legislation added marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to the list of health care practitioners who may receive payments from Medicare Part B health insurance. Part B is the component of Medicare that covers outpatient services, such as doctor visits.
Here are the upcoming changes to Medicare coverage, who will be affected and when.
Marriage and family therapist services
The Improvement of Mental Health Access Act defines marriage and family therapist services as authorized services provided for the outpatient diagnosis and treatment of mental illness “as would be covered if provided by a physician or as incidental physician professional services.” This service is provided by someone who:
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree that qualifies the person for a license or certification as a marriage and family therapist under state law in the state where the services are provided
- Licensed or certified as a marriage and family therapist by the state in which the services are provided
- Have at least two years of supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy
The law also allows other requirements to be determined by the government agency that oversees Medicare.
But in short, a person who has the proper license and training to offer mental health services as a marriage and family therapist can now be considered a Medicare provider and their services will be covered the same as a doctor’s services when the law applies.
Mental health counseling services
Similarly, outpatient mental health counseling services provided by someone properly trained and licensed by their state may be covered. A mental health counselor:
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree that qualifies the person for a license or certification as a mental health counselor, clinical professional counselor or professional counselor under state law in the country where services are provided
- Be licensed or certified as a mental health counselor, clinical professional counselor, or professional counselor by the state in which their services are provided
- Have at least two years of supervised clinical experience in mental health counselling
Again, the law allows for other requirements to be determined by the oversight government agency.
Who will benefit from this change?
This expanded coverage will apply to people on traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. This is because Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything covered by traditional Medicare.
When will this change take effect?
The Improvement of Mental Health Access Act will take effect for eligible therapy and counseling services received on or after January 1, 2024.
