Bill > HR3808

This bill aims to improve mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries by expanding access to clinical social worker services. Specifically, the bill removes clinical social worker services from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System, which means these services will be reimbursed separately and not bundled into the facility's standard payment. The bill also broadens the definition of clinical social worker services to include a more comprehensive set of mental health treatments, such as health and behavior assessment and intervention services, which are identified by specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. Importantly, these expanded services will apply to outpatient settings, excluding inpatient hospital services. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving healthcare providers and Medicare administrators time to prepare for the new provisions. By expanding the scope and accessibility of mental health services, the bill seeks to provide seniors with more comprehensive mental health care options under the Medicare program.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3808/all-info