Medicare Bill Sponsor Sends Letter of Support to Congressional Leaders

The American Counseling Association recently requested stories from our members about the way COVID-19 has affected you and your clients. We took those stories, along with additional data, to the sponsor of the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 945), Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA).

Rep. Thompson has been in talks with congressional leadership about the possible inclusion of our Medicare bill (H.R. 945) in one of the upcoming COVID-19 stimulus packages. Thompson’s office was able to submit a letter to congressional leaders on ACA’s behalf, detailing the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) as Medicare providers.

As Members of Congress continue to negotiate legislation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important that you urge lawmakers to expand access to critical behavioral health services for Medicare beneficiaries. This is particularly vital during this time of uncertainty.

ACA is grateful to Rep. Thompson and his staff for all of their hard work and for supporting ACA’s advocacy efforts for professional counselors.