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Can an LMHC, LMFT, or LPC get on Medicare? – 2018 UPDATE!

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Currently, Medicare covers mental health services and visits with the following professionals:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Clinical psychologists
  • Clinical social workers
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Clinical nurse specialists
  • Physician assistants

You might notice that a few mental health professionals are not included in this list. I’m talking licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. For the past few years, rumor has said that visits with these professionals would soon be covered under Medicare. Are we any closer to this goal in 2018?

Congress is currently considering two bills, S. 1879 and H.R. 3032, or the Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2017. If these two bills pass, marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services will be covered under Medicare. Hence, masters-level mental health providers may soon be able to be credentialed with Medicare!

Stay tuned for more, or call us at 1-855-664-5154 for the most recent updates.

Comments

  1. I’ve been following this discussion for about 2 years now and all I see is – “soon” – when will someone with some cajones put the pressure on our elected officials to get some action? I am starting to wonder if I made a bad choice taking the counselor route instead of social worker; at least they have a powerful lobby that has been able to get the job done.

      • This last answer does not show much leadership from Thriveworks. Arrange, organize, hire experienced lobbyists. Invest on what you want to accomplish. Find out if it is possible. Don’t fight a battle like registering guns that will never be passed by Congress. Get the proper intelligence.

        • Javier,

          Thank you for your comment. The major counseling associations like the ACA, AAMFT, and others have been working on this important issue. We want to be part of the solution too! However, We aren’t quite there in being able to hire lobbyists!

  3. Does anyone have any concrete information about whether the new Congress and the re-election of President Obama might have an effect on getting LPCs, LMFTs and LMHCs on the Medicare panel to be able to bill directly?

  7. I am looking to relocate to Florida from NY as a LMHC. I would like to start private practice and be able to bill but I am not sure how to go about it. Any thoughts?

  8. I was wondering if insurance companies will pay for treatment if an expatriate receives services overseas by a licensed therapist in the states? For example, if I am licensed in Florida and I provide counseling services to an American overseas (where there are no credentials for counselors), can they bill their insurance company in the States for the services?

    • That’s a darn good question. I would think so, but you will want to get the sessions authorized before they are provided–just to make sure (ALWAYS get authorization before providing services). 🙂

  9. Hi Karen! I think I understand your question. Humana is usually an open panel, so we shouldn’t have any trouble getting you on. If for some reason we cannot then yes, we will of course get you credentialed with someone else! I would probably recommend blue cross before “bills house of insurance” though!! 🙂 LOL!

    • Not generally. Sessions are supposed to be “in-person.” Sometimes exceptions are made, however!