[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS IMPROVEMENT ACT

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                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, the shortage of mental health professionals 
in rural areas has contributed to disproportionally high rates of 
depression and suicide. In my home State of Wyoming, the suicide rate 
is twice the national average. Wyoming's seniors in particular are 
seriously underserved, in part because they have limited options under 
the Medicare program.
  Currently, the only mental health providers allowed to be reimbursed 
by Medicare are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and 
clinical nurse specialists. In some communities, however, there may 
only be a marriage and family therapist (MFT) or licensed professional 
counselor (LPC) available.
  The bill I am introducing today will give seniors more options for 
mental health care by allowing MFTs and LPCs to provide Medicare 
services at the same reimbursement rates as social workers. MFTs and 
LPCs are as qualified and able as other mental health providers covered 
by Medicare, and should be treated accordingly.
  Under the Senior Mental Health Access Improvement Act, MFTs and LPCs 
would be able to provide outpatient psychotherapy and inpatient 
hospital services. It also allows them to provide Medicare services in 
Skilled Nurses Facilities, rural health clinics and hospice programs.
  We still have a long way to go in improving access to medical care in 
rural areas like Wyoming. Getting our seniors the mental health care 
they need is an important step in the right direction.

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