Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Tim Scott, R-S.C., have reintroduced the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act, a bill aimed at expanding access to occupational therapy for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
The legislation would clarify that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries can receive occupational therapy for mental health and substance misuse treatment, according to a Sept. 19 news release shared with Becker’s. Current ambiguity in Medicare and Medicaid guidance has led to frequent claim denials for these services.
Occupational therapists can support recovery by helping patients make lifestyle adjustments, including exercise and daily routines. Under the proposed bill, occupational therapists would be explicitly authorized to provide care for psychiatric and substance use disorders within federal programs.
The bipartisan bill builds on Ms. Hassan’s broader work to improve mental health and substance use treatment access, including a recent investigation into barriers to methadone treatment at for-profit clinics.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.