Social Work Today E-Zine

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) applauds House passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which overhauls key features in Medicare coverage of treatment for mental health, most notably by reducing the discriminatory 50% coinsurance patients must pay for outpatient mental health services to the same 20% copayment charged for all other Medicare Part B services. The House passed HR 6331 by a vote of 355 to 59.

In addition to ending the disparity with mental health care out-of-pocket costs, HR 6331 includes numerous provisions that will strengthen the Medicare program, and block a scheduled 10.6% cut in payments to physicians and other health professionals through 2009.

Since the Medicare program was established some 40 years ago, enrollees using outpatient psychiatric services have by law had to pay an effective copayment of 50%—two-and-a-half times the customary 20% copayment paid for other Medicare Part B services.

"The House showed great foresight in taking steps to finally end 40 years of discrimination against patients just because they need mental health treatments," says Nada Stotland, MD, MPH. "It is unconscionable to require the elderly and disabled to pay half the cost of their mental health care out of pocket. This change makes social and economic sense. The APA will continue to advocate for this legislation until it becomes law."

Action now shifts back to the Senate, which has yet to reach agreement on a bill of its own.

— Source: American Psychiatric Association