This is true. Medicare is federal health insurance for Americans aged 65 or over, and people with disabilities. New policy changes will allow more mental health practitioners to be reimbursed by Medicare for their services. This includes mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction counselors. Previously, only inpatient psychiatric care and services by clinical social workers were covered.

The Medicare expansion began January 1st, 2024, and is meant to increase access to mental health care for people on Medicare. More mental health professionals accepting Medicare should increase access to services for members.

There is a clear need for mental health care in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 5 Americans 65 and older living with a mental illness.

A shortage of providers who accept Medicare has led to many people on Medicare being on long waitlists or unable to access services. This was especially true for people living in rural areas.

Medicare will reimburse marriage therapists and counselors about 75% of what psychologists would make. These reimbursement rates are significantly lower than what a therapist or counselor would be able to make if clients paid out of pocket. These lower reimbursement rates may deter some therapists and counselors from signing up for Medicare.