The Senate Finance Committee today released a discussion draft of legislation to expand the mental health workforce. According to a summary of the provisions, the discussion draft includes policies that would:

•    Add 400 new Medicare-funded residency positions to teaching hospitals for training new physicians in psychiatry and psychiatry subspecialties.
•    Cover mental health services provided by marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors under Medicare Part B.
•    Expand access to certain clinical social worker services under Medicare.
•    Expand Medicare's Health Professional Shortage Area bonus program to attract more mental health care providers to shortage areas.
•    Create a Medicaid demonstration to increase behavioral health provider capacity.
•    Require Medicaid to issue guidance to states on increasing the mental health workforce. 
•    Modify Medicare’s direct supervision requirements to make it easier for patients to see psychologist trainees.

The House Ways and Means Committee yesterday voted to advance five mental health packages to the full House.  

Related News Articles

Headline
The federal government shut down Oct. 1 following a failed Senate vote on the House-passed continuing resolution to fund the government by midnight Sept. 30.…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 29 sent recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to help ensure…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Sept. 26 that average premiums for Medicare Advantage and Part D would decline slightly in 2026.…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 24 expressed support for the Medical Student Education Authorization Act (H.R. 5428), legislation introduced in the House Sept. 17 that would…
Headline
An AHA blog published Sept. 16 highlights programs and practices by Boston Medical Center leaders and staff that support residents’ mental health, emotional…
Headline
Susan Doherty, AHA’s vice president of field engagement, and Rebecca Chickey, AHA’s senior director of behavioral health services, write on the unique ways…