Senators Coons and Barrasso Introduce Bill to Aid Seniors’ Mental Health

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) have introduced the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at improving access to mental health services for older Americans. This legislation seeks to allow Medicare beneficiaries to access licensed clinical social workers in skilled nursing facilities, addressing a critical gap in mental health care for seniors.

The bill aims to eliminate outdated Medicare regulations that currently restrict access to social workers for elderly individuals in these facilities. According to Senator Coons, improving access to clinical social workers can greatly enhance seniors’ mental health and provide necessary support, especially in skilled nursing environments where such services are often limited. “Outdated Medicare rules prevent too many older Americans from receiving support from social workers in skilled nursing facilities,” Coons stated. “This bill fixes these rules and expands Medicare coverage to allow social workers to provide the best care to seniors when they need it most.”

Senator Barrasso, a physician, emphasized the importance of mental health care access for seniors, particularly in rural areas where mental health providers can be scarce. He expressed pride in supporting bipartisan solutions that can help patients receive necessary care.

Molly J. Arbogast, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Delaware Chapter, praised the bill, noting that social workers are ready to provide services wherever seniors need them—be it in nursing homes, community clinics, or even their own homes. She highlighted that current Medicare restrictions delay access to care and that the new legislation would reduce bureaucratic hurdles, allowing seniors and disabled individuals quicker access to essential mental health services.

Cheryl Heiks, Executive Director of the Delaware Health Care Facilities Association, also voiced support for the bill, stating that it would promote continuity of care for nursing home residents and help them maintain relationships with preferred social workers. This continuity is vital for successful transitions back into the community and addressing the mental health needs of older adults.

Similarly, Nathan Stahley, Executive Director of the NASW Wyoming Chapter, acknowledged Senator Barrasso’s efforts in modernizing Medicare regulations to facilitate access to mental health services in Wyoming and beyond. He remarked that the legislation would cut unnecessary red tape and elevate the role of clinical social workers, ensuring timely and appropriate care for seniors and people with disabilities.

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act ensures that clinical social workers can provide psychosocial services and a range of Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services. By improving access to these services, the bill aims to meet the growing mental health needs of the aging population in the United States.

The complete text of the bill is available for review, outlining its provisions and objectives to enhance mental health support for seniors across the nation.