Rep. Zach Nunn, U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Zach Nunn, U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and David Trone (MD-06) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing access to treatment options under Medicare. The Occupational Therapy and Mental Health Parity Act seeks to ensure that Medicare recipients can access covered occupational therapy treatment for substance use and mental health disorders.
Rep. Nunn stated, “Our nation is facing both a mental health and substance abuse crisis. Occupational therapists can make a massive difference in treatment and recovery from these diagnoses. This commonsense legislation will reduce barriers to treatment for Medicare recipients, expanding their health care options for mental health and substance abuse disorders.”
Research indicates that occupational therapists significantly contribute to improving outcomes and daily functioning for those suffering from mental health disorders. A 2018 study revealed that occupational therapy interventions could notably enhance psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and quality of life for individuals with mental illness.
Rep. Trone commented, “While one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health condition, only half receive the treatment they need. We’ve got to remove barriers to treatment, and sometimes doing that is as simple as ensuring health care providers are educated on treatment procedures. This legislation will ensure stakeholders know about the coverage and billing procedures for occupational therapy treatment under Medicare, addressing a critical gap in patients receiving the mental health care they need.”
The bipartisan Occupational Therapy and Mental Health Parity Act would mandate the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct stakeholder education to clarify that occupational therapy services for substance use and mental health disorders are covered by Medicare.
A companion bill to the Occupational Therapy and Mental Health Parity Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
The text of the bill can be found here.
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