Most Medicare beneficiaries treated in inpatient psychiatric facilities qualify for Medicare because of disability, and they tend to be younger and poorer than the typical Medicare beneficiary. These Medicare beneficiaries live with serious mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), often from a relatively young age. The Medicare program is integral to providing life-saving behavioral health care to those who need it. The Mental Health Liaison Group supports policies that help improve care and access for our most vulnerable populations with mental health and substance use disorders.
For statements from past Congresses, view the archive.
- MHLG Supports Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 432): MHLG expressed support for H.R. 432, legislation to allow marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to bill Medicare for their services.