H.R. 4037: Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act.

This bill, known as the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act, aims to clarify the coverage of occupational therapy services under the Medicare program, specifically focusing on mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

Key Provisions

• The bill mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must conduct education and outreach aimed at stakeholders. This effort will clarify how occupational therapy is covered under the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual.
• The education will focus on the application of occupational therapy services for individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders or substance use disorders.
• It will utilize relevant codes from the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to detail what services are eligible and how they should be carried out in the context of treatment for mental health and substance use issues.

Purpose

The intent of this legislation is to enhance understanding and access to occupational therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries who require support in managing mental health issues or substance use disorders. By providing clearer guidance, the bill aims to ensure that these therapies are adequately recognized and compensated under Medicare, thus promoting greater parity in mental health treatment.

Implementation

The implementation of this bill will involve coordination between the HHS and various healthcare stakeholders to disseminate important information regarding the eligibility and coverage of occupational therapy services. This is expected to foster an environment where more patients can access the care they need.

Impact on Patients

For patients who are Medicare beneficiaries suffering from mental health or substance use disorders, this bill stands to potentially improve their access to necessary occupational therapy services, leading to better health outcomes and support for their recovery journey.

Relevant Companies

• None found