Bill · S. 1797· Senate(119-S-1797)
Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act
- Introduced
- 5/15/2025
- Last activity
- 5/15/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2954)
- Sponsored by
- John Barrasso
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act," aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The primary goal is to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program. It specifically addresses clinical social worker services for residents in skilled nursing facilities. The legislation also expands the definition of clinical social worker services to include health and behavior assessments and interventions. These changes are set to take effect for services furnished on or after January 1, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+8
The bill specifically targets mental health access for seniors in skilled nursing facilities via Medicare.
Would retired people be better off under this?+8
The bill enhances Medicare coverage, which is a primary benefit for retirees and seniors.
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+8
The bill explicitly improves access to mental health and behavioral services for nursing facility residents via Medicare.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved access for nursing facility residents: The bill amends the Social Security Act to include clinical social worker services within the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (Section 2(a)(1)). This could help residents of these facilities access necessary professional support.
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Expanded coverage for mental health and behavioral services: The bill expands the scope of clinical social worker services to include the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, as well as health and behavior assessment and intervention (Section 2(b)(1)). This allows for a wider range of services to be covered under the program.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+8Good For Seniors+8Good For People With Disabilities+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+8Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+5
- 6/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/15/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2954)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota