Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023

Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023

This bill increases the Medicare reimbursement rate for clinical social worker services. The bill excludes clinical social worker services from the prospective payment system in which predetermined amounts form the basis for payment under Medicare.

Additionally, the bill alters the definition of clinical social worker services as it relates to Medicare. Under current law, such services (1) include services performed for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, and (2) exclude services furnished to an inpatient of a skilled nursing facility as a condition of the facility's participation in the Medicare program. The bill repeals these provisions and instead specifies that such services include certain types of health behavior assessment and intervention.

Bill 118 hr 1638, also known as the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, aims to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States by improving access to mental health services for all individuals. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for mental health programs, expand telehealth services for mental health care, and improve training for mental health professionals.

One key aspect of the bill is the expansion of telehealth services for mental health care. This provision would allow individuals to access mental health services remotely, making it easier for those in rural or underserved areas to receive the care they need. Additionally, the bill includes funding to increase the number of mental health professionals in these areas, ensuring that individuals have access to quality care.

The bill also includes provisions to improve training for mental health professionals, ensuring that they are equipped to provide effective and culturally competent care to all individuals. This training would focus on evidence-based practices and the latest research in the field of mental health. Overall, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023 seeks to address the mental health crisis in the United States by increasing access to care, expanding telehealth services, and improving training for mental health professionals. By investing in these areas, the bill aims to improve the overall mental health and well-being of individuals across the country.