The Mental Health Access Improvement Act Included in FY 23 Year End Funding Package

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee published the legislative text for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 omnibus package H.R.2617, titled the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

 Of note, we’re excited to share the following immediate update:

• Coverage of Marriage and Family Therapist Services and Mental Health Counselor Services Under Part B of the Medicare Program is included.
• Expanded patient access to tele-mental health services. Recognizing the value and increased use of telehealth, the fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislation kept several of these flexibilities in place.

The American Counseling Association applauds Congress for addressing bipartisan, bicameral policies that preserve important tools that allow providers to better serve patients, including extending telehealth flexibilities, and allowing greater access to mental health services to those in the Medicare population.

There is a great possibility as early as the end of this week we may see a vote on the Omnibus. We may have a bill passed that not only includes Medicare Reimbursement, but also an extension to Telehealth to the end of 2024. The ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team will closely monitor the progression of the omnibus and keep you updated as things advance.

If you would like to become involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts, please contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team at advocacy@counseling.org.