FAQs about MFTs as Medicare Providers
Here are a few FAQs regarding the provision in Public Law No: 117-328 that allows MFTs and MHCs to serve as Medicare-eligible providers:
· When can MFTs start providing services to clients as Medicare-eligible providers? - Under this new law, MFTs and MHCs would not be able to serve as Medicare-eligible providers and bill Medicare until January 1, 2024. This delay in implementing the new law is needed so that the federal government can make the necessary arrangements for MFTs and MHCs to serve as Medicare providers.
· When can I enroll as a Medicare provider? – The omnibus legislation that includes language allowing MFTs and MHCs to serve as Medicare providers was signed into law in December. It will take several months for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers the Medicare program, to draft the policies pertaining to MFTs and MHCs in Medicare and to begin the process of enrolling MFTs and MHCs. AAMFT will keep members updated regarding when MFTs can enroll as Medicare providers.
· In what settings can MFTs see Medicare enrollees? – MFTs can enroll as a Medicare provider and offer services to enrollees in most practice settings, including private practice and most clinical settings. MFTs will also be able to serve as eligible providers in Medicare Advantage plans and provide services to Medicare enrollees in Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics.
· Which MFTs are eligible to enroll in Medicare? – Once enrollment opens, an MFT must be licensed by a State to practice independently in order to enroll as a Medicare provider. MFT associates, interns, and students are not eligible to enroll as Medicare-eligible providers. This eligibility standard is similar for other Medicare-eligible mental health professions, as well as for MHCs under the new law. To enroll in Medicare an MFT must possess a master’s or doctoral degree which qualifies for licensure as an MFT, have two years of clinical supervised experience in marriage and family therapy, and be licensed as an MFT by a State.
For more information, please check out our Advocacy post on Medicare.