This session focused on the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. This bill aims to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to mental health services from licensed clinical social workers in skilled nursing facilities and for health behavior assessment and intervention services. Below, you’ll find a full replay of the discussion, helpful resources, and additional reading to better understand the bill impact for the social work profession and the communities we serve.
Join us for next month’s policy chat: Register here
Watch the Replay:
View the PowerPoint for this presentation
Resources
NASW Policy Brief:
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=83BbBMa5HV0%3d&portalid=0
NASW FAQ:
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=VsoHbwJb128%3d&portalid=0
Senate Bill 1797 Info:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1797/committees
Find Your Representatives:
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
NASW Action Alert:
https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Legislative-Alerts?vvsrc=%2Fcampaigns%2F128765%2Frespond
Call Script:
“Hello, my name is [Name], and I live in [City and ZIP code]. I am calling to urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to co-sponsor S.1797 / H.R.3808, the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. This bill aims to amend Medicare rules so that licensed clinical social workers can continue providing mental health services to residents in skilled nursing facilities and offer Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention services to beneficiaries with physical health conditions. These changes will ensure that older adults and people with disabilities receive timely and effective care. Will [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] support this important bipartisan legislation? Thank you, I appreciate your time.”
