ACA Members on Capitol Hill During the 2019 Institute for Leadership Training
The Government Affairs team advocates for you and your profession on issues ranging from Medicare reimbursement to portability to school counseling funding. Adding your voice makes our message stronger. Join us by contacting your representatives on issues that matter to you.
May 11, 2020
Medicare Bill Sponsor Sends Letter of Support to Congressional Leaders
The American Counseling Association recently requested stories from our members about the way COVID-19 has affected you and your clients. We took those stories, along with additional data, to the sponsor of the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 945), Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA).
Rep. Thompson has been in talks with congressional leadership about the possible inclusion of our Medicare bill (H.R. 945) in one of the upcoming COVID-19 stimulus packages. Thompson’s office was able to submit a letter to congressional leaders on ACA’s behalf, detailing the need for the inclusion of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) as Medicare providers.
As Members of Congress continue to negotiate legislation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important that you urge lawmakers to expand access to critical behavioral health services for Medicare beneficiaries. This is particularly vital during this time of uncertainty.
ACA is grateful to Rep. Thompson and his staff for all of their hard work and for supporting ACA’s advocacy efforts for professional counselors.
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May, 4, 2020
Rural LPC’s Provide Telebehavioral Health Services under Medicare during Pandemic
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. Section 3704 of the CARES Act authorizes Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) to provide telebehavioral health services to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Medicare telehealth services generally require an interactive audio and video telecommunications system that permits real-time communication between the practitioner and the patient. RHCs and FQHCs with this capability can immediately provide and receive payment for telehealth services to patients covered by Medicare for the duration of the COVID-19 health emergency.
Remote telebehavioral health services can now be provided by any health care practitioner working for the RHC or the FQHC within their scope of practice. This includes licensed professional counselors (LPCs), working under the supervision of an RHC practitioner, and within their state’s scope of practice. The RHC or FQHC are eligible to bill for these services, NOT LPCs individually. Please take a look at the telehealth language, from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare services (CMS).
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team at advocacy@counseling.org.
April 1,2020
The Government Affairs and Public Policy 2020 Legislative Agenda
The American Counseling Association’s legislative strategic plan for 2020 outlines activities selected to further the ACA mission to promote the counseling profession through state and federal advocacy.