A bipartisan group of U.S. House representatives has introduced legislation aimed at expanding access to senior mental health services. The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2022 seeks to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can receive care from psychologists in a variety of care settings. Currently, Medicare does not recognize psychologists as independent clinical providers across all settings, which limits seniors’ access to essential senior mental health care.
The timing of this bill is critical. Rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions among older adults continue to rise. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 25% of adults ages 65 to 74 report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Mental health challenges are often compounded by isolation, chronic physical conditions, and the loss of loved ones, highlighting the importance of accessible senior mental health care.
Substance use disorder is also an increasing concern. The CDC reports that overdose deaths among adults 65 and older have tripled over the last two decades, emphasizing the need for integrated senior mental health services that address both mental health and substance use issues.
Bipartisan Support for Mental Health Access
The bill has bipartisan backing in both the House and Senate. In the House, co-sponsors include Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Jason Smith (R-Mo.), among others. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a Senate version.
“Mental health care is as essential as physical health care, and yet despite the nationwide shortage of mental health providers, psychologists are limited in their ability to operate at their full scope of practice in the Medicare program,” said Congresswoman Chu. As a psychologist, she emphasized that the bill would allow more seniors to access quality senior mental health services in settings such as skilled nursing and inpatient psychiatric facilities.
Addressing the Growing Need for Senior Mental Health
Mental health challenges among seniors are often tied to social isolation, cognitive decline, chronic conditions, and life transitions. Expanding access to senior mental health services is crucial to improving overall well-being and preventing crises.
Recent CMS proposals for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans aim to expand access to behavioral health services, including coverage for clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and medication prescribers for opioid use disorder. These policies further emphasize the importance of accessible senior mental health services for older adults.
Senior-focused care providers are also adapting. Companies like Oak Street Health and Elara Caring have incorporated integrated behavioral health services, combining physical and mental health care to meet the growing demand for comprehensive senior mental health care.
Looking Ahead
The Increasing Mental Health Options Act of 2022 represents a major step toward improving access to senior mental health services. By allowing psychologists to operate independently under Medicare, seniors across the U.S. could benefit from increased access, reduced barriers, and better support for both mental health and substance use disorders. With bipartisan support and growing attention from policymakers, the future of senior mental health care looks more accessible and effective than ever.
