Medicare would cover more social work care in nursing homes
In committeeH.R. 3808Latest action
Sponsor: Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Representative · PA
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Official title: Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Starting in 2026, Medicare patients in nursing homes could get mental health care from clinical social workers billed separately, not bundled.
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What does this do?
This bill would let clinical social workers bill Medicare directly for services given to residents of skilled nursing facilities, starting January 1, 2026. Right now, those costs are bundled into a flat payment, which can limit access to care. The bill also expands covered services to include mental health support for people dealing with physical health conditions.
Who does it affect?
Medicare patients living in skilled nursing facilities who need mental health support are most directly affected. Clinical social workers who provide care in those settings are also affected.
Why does it matter?
Currently, bundling mental health services into a flat facility payment can reduce how often residents receive those services. Removing that restriction would change how clinical social workers are paid for this care.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 6, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 6, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — 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.