On November 2, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its 2024 Physician Fee Schedule final rule (Final Rule) for calendar year 2024. This rule is expected to implement significant changes aimed at improving access to behavioral health care in Medicare. The changes align with the CMS’s Behavioral Health Strategy.
As reported by Foley & Lardner LLP, a notable part of these changes is the permission granted by CMS for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and Mental Health Counselors (MHCs) to enroll for the first time. This expansion of billing providers increases the pool of professionals who can provide vital mental health services to Medicare recipients.
The introduction of these adaptions represent a considerable shift in the approach to mental health care within the Medicare landscape. It broadly reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health as an integral part of well-rounded health care. As such, these changes may potentially increase access to mental health services for a greater number of patients, thus facilitating an improved level of care across the system.
Legal professionals working in the health sector should stay abreast of these developing regulatory changes. As additional details emerge, they can anticipate implications for their organizations and clients— ensuring compliance and leveraging opportunities to enhance service delivery.