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H.R. 1693, The Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2009 (7 comments ↓)
H.R. 1693 would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under part B of the Medicare Program.
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Visitor Comments
beecher129
April 6, 2009, 9:14am (report abuse)Since Marriage and Family and Mental Health counselors usually charge less than psychologists and social workers, this bill would provide service at lower costs.
m. Valle
April 10, 2009, 2:23pm (report abuse)I hope this legislation passes this year. As a LMHC who has supervised students for the UofC Social Work school, I think it's high time that we get as politically involved and organized as LCSW's. We do the same work, and we know the need within the community exists for mental health services and qualified clinicians. In Florida the regulartory board for LMHC's and LMFT, is the same as LCSW. Why then have the distinctions in only medicare, and federally qualified health clinics, and other programs. I hope this changes soon and encourage everyone to contact their senators and representatives to insure passage of this legislation.
Kathy Rundle
April 17, 2009, 6:45am (report abuse)In our agency only three therapists can now see medicare clients. If we don't have a therapist that is medicare reimbursable they pay out of pocket. How unfair to our seniors and since I have 20 years in the Mental Health field and would love to serve our seniors, how sad is this that you won't let me use my expertise.
Frank Shull LCPC
June 3, 2009, 10:52pm (report abuse)It is hard to be optimistic about this legislation, when past attempts have failed. But, I am grateful to the sponsors and co-sponsors. And I have my fingers crossed! As a specialist in trauma recovery, I have to refer a patient who has obtained disability (SSD or SSI) or general Medicare. Although I am an Idaho Medicaid provider, I am not permitted to bill either Medicaid or Medicare once my patient reaches Medicare status. It is a hardship to a patient to discover they must find a new therapist, because I am not a Social Worker.
Clayton Price
July 20, 2009, 8:41pm (report abuse)I am a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years experience. I work primarily in the nursing homes in the Houston, Texas area. My colleagues, patients, and everbody involved see the need for passage of this bill. It's time to get the politics out of the way and do the right thing, make LPC's medicare providers!!!!
Diane Yaple
September 9, 2009, 11:42am (report abuse)I am studying to be a Licensed Professional Counselor and plan to work with the senior population. It just makes sense to license professional counselors in order to better serve the older population. Senior citizens deserve access to mental health services.
Michelle Gonzalez Psy.D, LMHC
September 18, 2009, 3:05pm (report abuse)I am a mental health counselor practicing for many years now. I find it insulting that LCSW are the only therapists to provide Part B services. LMHC are trained in mental health psychotherapy more extensively than LCSW. We need to do something. If you want to pass a bill to congress and include myself please do so. You may email me at michazd@aol.com. thank you