Young’s proposed bill expands mental, behavioral telehealth services for Medicare patients

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) recently introduced a bill to ensure Medicare beneficiaries continue to access mental and behavioral telehealth services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Young is the lead original cosponsor of the Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act, S. 3999, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) to permanently extend the use of telehealth for mental and behavioral healthcare allowed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for Medicare beneficiaries beyond the pandemic.

Doing so “is critical during this public health crisis,” Sen. Young said. “By allowing Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving mental and behavioral health services remotely, this bipartisan bill will help keep patients safe as they continue to socially distance, and after we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.”

If enacted, S. 3999 would permanently allow Medicare beneficiaries to keep receiving care in their home; would continue eligibility of care for the expanded list of non-physician providers; and would allow Medicare to cover audio-only delivery of telehealth services, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s office.

S. 3999 has garnered the support of the American Counseling Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, Mental Health for America, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and the National Suicide Prevention Foundation.