Getting on Insurance Panels

  • Credentialing.com
  • Services Provided
    • Licensing
    • Re-Credentialing Management
  • FAQ
    • Testimonials
  • Affordable Rates
  • Contact Us
  • 1-855-664-5154
Home / Medical Credentialing Articles / Can an LMHC, LMFT, or LPC get on Medicare? – 2018 UPDATE!

October 2, 2018 by supervisor

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

Facebook0
Google+0
Twitter0
LinkedIn0
Pinterest0

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.

Filed Under: Medical Credentialing Articles

Comments

  1. Dovid C. Ofstein, Ph.D., LMHC, LCAC says

    March 12, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    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.

    • Anthony Centore says

      March 12, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      Dovid, you are that person! 🙂 Go for it, I believe in you!

      • Javier Santillan says

        April 19, 2013 at 3:19 am

        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.

        • Anthony Centore says

          April 19, 2013 at 2:39 pm

          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!

  2. Marion says

    December 30, 2012 at 2:08 am

    What is the latest for LPC ‘s to be accepted by Medicare?

    • Anthony Centore says

      January 11, 2013 at 3:56 pm

      Nothing yet! Hopefully soon…

      • Lisa Kurr says

        February 17, 2013 at 9:07 pm

        So we should still be writing our congressmen about this?

  3. Susun Slatky says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    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?

  4. Sandie says

    August 7, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Any updates as to if LPC’s will be able to bill Medicare any time soon?

    • Thriveworks says

      August 14, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Nothing yet! 🙂

  5. Marc B. says

    July 20, 2012 at 1:04 am

    Can a LMHC be credentialed in New York?

    • Thriveworks says

      August 14, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      Yes!

  6. Dian says

    June 27, 2012 at 1:06 am

    Keep me posted. Hope this gets approved soon. How can I help? Dian B.

  7. Jason says

    June 22, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    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?

    • Thriveworks says

      August 14, 2012 at 12:08 pm

      Sure Jason, We have a lot of articles on this site, and on http://thriveworks.com. You can also call us anytime, and we’d be happy to brainstorm a plan with you!

  8. Lucinda says

    June 1, 2012 at 3:16 am

    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?

    • Thriveworks says

      August 14, 2012 at 12:16 pm

      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. Thriveworks says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    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!

  10. Rhonda says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Will insurance companies pay for online or virtual therapy sessions?

    • Thriveworks says

      March 8, 2012 at 2:46 pm

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

« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Want Help Getting on Insurance Panels?

Contact us Today! One of our credentialing experts will respond right away.

More Info about Getting on Insurance Panels:

  • What do I need to know about getting on Tricare insurance panels?
  • Getting on Insurance Panels Under a Group or Independently? (Updated)
  • Should I Accept Health Insurance? A Millennial’s Perspective
  • Can LMHCs or LPCs accept Medicare? (Updated)
  • Can an LMHC, LMFT, or LPC get on Medicare? – 2018 UPDATE!
  • How to Complete CAQH Re-attestation
  • What Insurance Panels Do I want to Join?

Customer Reviews

customer testimonials

© Copyright 2015 Getoninsurancepanels.com · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Thriveworks ·