Bill Summary
The "Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2025" is proposed legislation aimed at expanding access to mental and behavioral health services through telehealth by amending existing provisions in the Social Security Act. Specifically, it seeks to ensure that telehealth services for mental and behavioral health are covered under Medicare. The bill updates the relevant section of the Act to remove certain restrictive language and explicitly includes behavioral health services alongside mental health services. The changes are intended to facilitate easier access to necessary care for individuals seeking mental and behavioral health treatment remotely. The amendments are set to take effect as if they were part of previous legislation enacted in December 2020.
Possible Impacts
The "Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2025" aims to expand access to mental and behavioral health services delivered via telehealth. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Care**: Individuals in rural or underserved areas may face challenges in accessing mental health services due to geographical barriers. This legislation would ensure that telehealth services are covered, making it easier for these individuals to receive necessary care without the need to travel long distances to see a provider. This can lead to improved mental health outcomes for populations that previously lacked access.
2. **Reduction in Stigma**: Telehealth can provide a more private and comfortable environment for individuals seeking mental and behavioral health services. By allowing patients to engage with providers from their homes, the Act may reduce the stigma associated with attending in-person therapy sessions. As a result, more individuals may be willing to seek help, leading to earlier intervention and potentially better mental health outcomes.
3. **Expanded Service Offerings**: The amendment broadens the definition of covered services to include a wider range of behavioral health services beyond just traditional mental health treatment. This could facilitate access to various therapeutic options, such as counseling for substance use disorders or support for coping with life transitions, thereby enhancing the overall mental health support landscape available to individuals and families.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2011 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2011
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of
mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 10, 2025
Mr. Cassidy (for himself and Ms. Smith) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of
mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Telemental Health Care Access Act of
2025''.
SEC. 2. ENSURING COVERAGE FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
FURNISHED THROUGH TELEHEALTH.
(a) In General.--Section 1834(m)(7) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m(m)(7)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``mental health services'' and all that
follows through ``The geographic'' and inserting ``mental and
behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.--The
geographic'';
(2) by striking ``subject to subparagraph (B),'';
(3) by inserting ``, or for the provision of behavioral
health services'' after ``or treatment of a mental health
disorder''; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (B).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as if included in the enactment of section 123 of division
CC of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260).
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