Single Post

On January 31, 2019, The Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S. 286), was introduced into the U.S. Congress. This bipartisan bill, if passed, would expand benefits to Medicare recipients so they can access behavioral health services provided by licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs).  Current laws do not allow LMHCs or LMFTs to bill services directly under Medicare, only licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). This bill will help many of our DLC clinicians provide even more life-changing therapy services, and it would make it easier to recruit for eligible staff in the future.

We need your help to encourage members of the U.S. Senate and House to support this very important measure!

Please use the links below to contact our Senators, Rubio and Scott, and your assigned U.S. Representative.  You may also call their offices to express your support for this legislation.

Here is a sample communication:

“Dear Senator [Rubio/Scott],

I am a constituent who resides in the 25^th Congressional District of Collier County, Florida.

I am [writing/calling] you today to ask that you support Senate Bill S. 286, The Mental Health Access improvement Act, introduced in the Senate by Senators Bassarro and Stabenow on January 31, 2019.  This Legislation would allow Medicare recipients to be eligible for covered behavioral health services provided by licensed mental health counselors and family and marriage therapists.  Never has there been a greater need to broaden critical mental health and substance use treatment services for the aged and disabled populations who are at higher risk of depression and suicide, among other startling statistics.  I urge you to support Senate Bill S. 286.”

For the U.S Senate, please reference Senate Bill S.286:

Sen. Marco Rubio

202-224-3041

www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Sen. Rick Scott

202-224-5274

help@rickscott.senate.gov

For the U.S house, please refer to House Bill H.R 945:

Rep. Francis Rooney (19^th District)

(239) 252-6225 or Capitol Office: (202) 225-2536

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (25^th District)

239) 348-1620 or Capitol Office: (202)225-4211

https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/contact-mario

If you live in any other county, please visit the link below to find your Congressman or Congresswoman:

https://www.house.gov/representatives

If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call the Administrative Offices at DLC and ask for Kellie at Ext. 1444.

Thank you for this important advocacy to improve access to behavioral health services for Medicare recipients!