The Mental Health Access Improvement Act sparked a revolution -- 70,000 Mental Health Counselors (MHCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) joined Medicare in the first year alone.

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Advancing Fair Reimbursement

The Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition is leading a comprehensive effort to pass legislation to increase Medicare reimbursement rates for social workers, family therapists, and counselors—ensuring equitable compensation that reflects the vital mental health services these professionals provide to Medicare beneficiaries.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act (MHAPSA) (S. 4202/H.R 8081) proposes to increase Medicare reimbursement from 75% to 85% percent of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for clinical social workers (CSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), and mental health counselors (MHCs). This reform addresses the fundamental barrier to mental health care access for older adults: low reimbursement rates that drive providers to leave Medicare. Increasing reimbursement will strengthen the behavioral health workforce, improve provider recruitment and retention, and expand mental health access for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

of America’s mental health

0 %

workforce is composed of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Social Workers represent another 38 percent.

of adults aged 55+

0 %

experience some type of mental health concern, with depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment being the most common.

older adults

0 M

are covered by Medicare, and this number is projected to reach 95 million in 2060. Beneficiaries with mental illness and substance use disorders account for a disproportionate share of high-cost Medicare spending.

What's Next?

The Road Ahead

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have issued Medicare reimbursement rules to add Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to the Medicare provider list. CMS will update every 12 months regulatory language and internal systems that will accept MFTs and MHCs as Medicare providers.

Coalition Members

Here are some of the organizational partners in our coalition.

Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies

National Association of Community Health Centers

National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors

National Association for Rural Mental Health

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness

American Mental Health Counselors Association

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Coalition Goals

To increase access to client choice for mental health provider care by passing the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S.828/H.R.432).

What Our Members Say

“As a founding member of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a unified effort to promote and protect the counseling profession. What seemed impossible just years ago—getting mental health counselors recognized as Medicare providers—became a reality through our collective strength. The Coalition amplifies our voice exponentially, turning individual concerns into national policy priorities. Together, we've broken down decades-old barriers, expanded access to mental health care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries, and proven that when mental health professionals unite behind a common cause, we can reshape the entire healthcare landscape. This Coalition isn't just important to our legislative and regulatory engagement—it's essential to our mission.”

“It is a historic opportunity for counselors to be recognized by the largest federal health insurance program, and this recognition leads to a whole host of new opportunities and expectations. It will require our profession to continue to grow in our ability to articulate who we are, what distinct strengths we offer to mental health care and how we plan to integrate ourselves into the broader health care workforce that is trying to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans.”

“Counselors' inclusion in Medicare has been a critical development for the counseling profession and those who need mental health services. The inclusion of counselors as Medicare providers will about double the number of mental health providers who Medicare covers, increasing access to services for many older adults and those with chronic disabilities who receive Medicare insurance. Medicare reimbursement was a final frontier for counselors in terms of reputability and recognition, and this development allows us to be taken more seriously by legislators and the public.”

“The work of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition is critically important for Marriage and Family Therapists. The Coalition was instrumental in the passage of legislation allowing Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to serve as Medicare billable providers. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is proud to be a member of the Coalition as the Coalition advocates for greater recognition of Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors and Clinical Social Workers within Medicare.”

“The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is proud to be part of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition. Our members continue to express deep appreciation for being able to work within the Medicare system, increasing access to care for seniors across California. We thank all of the Coalition partners for their dedication to increasing access to care and serving the most vulnerable.”

What is the Medicare Coverage Gap?

Outdated language in current Medicare coverage legislation caused many individuals who rely on Medicare to experience a variety of challenges to getting the care they need.