Dear Missouri Society for Clinical Social Work,

H.R. 4040, THE ADVANCING TELEHEALTH BEYOND COVID–19 ACT OF 2021

A bill passed the House yesterday which would allow Medicare to cover LCSWs and other mental health professionals for telemental health services until 2024, including audio only treatment. Additionally, the requirement that patients be seen in person every six months was eliminated. The vote was 416-12.

This is a huge win for CSWA, clinical social work, and all of the groups in the Mental Health Liaison Group that worked to get this bill passed. The bill now goes to the Senate where it is likely to pass, as long as it is brought to a vote.

All CSWA members should send the following message to their senators at https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm?OrderBy=state&Sort=ASC: “I am a member of the Clinical Social Work Association and a constituent. Please ask Speaker Schumer to bring HR. 4040, The Advancing Telehealth Beyond Covid-19 Act of 2021, to a vote. Many patients struggling with mental health problems will be unable to get the help they need unless this bill is passed by the Senate. Thanks for your support on H.R. 4040.”

As always, please let me know when you have sent your messages.

Laura Groshong, LICSW, Director, Policy and Practice

Clinical Social Work Association

lwgroshong@clinicalsocialworkassociation.org