The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 established a new Medicare benefit category for MFT and MHC services furnished by and directly billed by MFTs and MHCs. Payment for MFT and MHC services under Part B of the Medicare program will begin January 1, 2024. 

Under Medicare, MFTs eligible to enroll as a Medicare provider are those who: 

• Possess a master’s or doctorate which qualifies for licensure or certification as an MFT under State law of the State in which such individual furnishes marriage and family therapist services; and 
• Is licensed or certified as an MFT by the State in which they furnish services; and 
• Has performed at least 2 years of clinical supervised experience in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling after obtaining the degree referenced above; and 
• Meet other requirements as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines appropriate. 

Under Medicare, MHCs eligible to enroll as a Medicare provider are those who: 

• Possess a master’s or doctorate which qualifies for licensure or certification as an MHC, clinical professional counselor, or professional counselor under State law of the State in which such individual furnishes marriage and family therapist services; and 
• Is licensed or certified as an MHC, clinical professional counselor, or professional counselor by the State in which they furnish services; and 
• Has performed at least 2 years of clinical supervised experience in marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling after obtaining the degree referenced above; and 
• Meet other requirements as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines appropriate. 

Our Take: This is great news for MFTs and MHCs that opens up new revenue streams for providers and expands access for Medicare patients.  Before our Chief Compliance Officer, Amber Thomas, joined Therapy Brands, she worked as a healthcare attorney that assisted providers in the Medicare enrollment process.  She encourages all eligible MFTs and MHCs to enroll in Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider so they can service Medicare patients.  However, she cautions that the enrollment process can be time consuming.  Although MFTs and MHCs are eligible for payment beginning January 1, 2024, enrollment in Medicare may take several weeks or even months.  For more information on the process, check out the CMS FAQ here: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/marriage-and-family-therapists-and-mental-health-counselors-faq-09052023.pdf