Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation seeks to enhance access to crucial mental health services for individuals covered by Medicare. It achieves this by making two significant changes to the Social Security Act, specifically targeting the provision and coverage of clinical social worker services. Firstly, the bill proposes to exclude clinical social worker services from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System , allowing for separate coverage and potentially improving access within these facilities. Secondly, it broadens the definition of covered clinical social worker services under Medicare. This expansion includes services for health and behavior assessment and intervention, identified by specific HCPCS codes, thereby increasing the range of mental health support available to beneficiaries, with these changes taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act
USA119th CongressHR-3808| House
| Updated: 6/6/2025
This legislation seeks to enhance access to crucial mental health services for individuals covered by Medicare. It achieves this by making two significant changes to the Social Security Act, specifically targeting the provision and coverage of clinical social worker services. Firstly, the bill proposes to exclude clinical social worker services from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System , allowing for separate coverage and potentially improving access within these facilities. Secondly, it broadens the definition of covered clinical social worker services under Medicare. This expansion includes services for health and behavior assessment and intervention, identified by specific HCPCS codes, thereby increasing the range of mental health support available to beneficiaries, with these changes taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.