Close Button
NBCC Logo
  • National Certification
  • Examinations
  • State Licensure
  • Government Affairs
    • Government Affairs
    • Advocacy
    • Grassroots
    • Newsroom
    • Portability
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Counselor Resources
    • Applicant Resources
    • Public Resources
    • CE Provider Resources
    • Ethics
    • Search Directories
    • CCE Academy
  • About
    • About
    • Board Members
    • Selected Staff
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Search
NBCC Logo
Login
NBCC Logo
Login
NBCC Logo
Login
NBCC Logo
Login
×
Search Directories
ACEP Directory Counselor Find Counselor Verify State Board Directory
National Certification
National Certification NCC NCSC CCMHC MAC Specialty Certifications Schedule Ethics
Examinations
Exams NCE NCMHCE Examinations Administration Accommodations Examinations Security Examinations Preparation DSM-5-TR Overview Subject Matter Experts Exam Sensitivity & Bias Authorization for Extension
State Licensure
State Licensure Exam Registration Military Health Systems State Board Directory NCE Handbook PDF NCMHCE Handbook PDF
Government Affairs
Government Affairs Federal Resources Federal Employment Federal Funding Indian Health Services Legislative Policy Map Medicare Military Health Systems Grassroots Action Center Newsroom Become an Advocacy Leader Communication Guide Portability Counseling Compact FAQ
Counselor Resources
Counselor Resources Benefits of National Certification Earn Continuing Education Certification Management Credentialing Gateway Awards Marketing Yourself Therapy Directory Digital Badges NBCC News Ethics FAQ The Professional Counselor Liability Insurance CCE Academy CE Credit Verification PDF
Applicant Resources
Applicants Resources FAQs for Applicants Student Information FAQs for Students Faculty Information FAQs for Faculty CACREP
Resources for the Public
Resources for the Public Community Resources Employer Resources
CE Provider Resources
CE Provider Resources Approved CE Providers CE Single Program CE Provider Applicants CE Provider Toolbox CE Applications CE Advertisements CE Provider Policy CE Calendar of Events
About
Board Members Selected Staff Careers Contact Us
  • Government Affairs
  • Federal Employment
  • Federal Funding
  • Indian Health Services
  • Medicare
  • Military Health Systems
  • TRICARE
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Grassroots
  • Action Center
  • Legislation
  • Counselor Advocacy Networker
  • Featured Article
  • Become an Advoacy Leader
  • Communication Guide PDF
  • Portability
  • Counseling Compact
  • FAQ
  • Portability Statement PDF

Medicare Bill Still in Focus for Second Congressional Session

  1. Home
  2. GovtAffairs
  3. Newsroom
  4. medicare-bill-still-in-focus-for-second-session

Article Published: 12/5/2019

undefined

Lawmakers are leaving Washington for recess and are scheduled to return on Jan. 3 for the second session of the 116th Congress. They will have plenty to tackle, as appropriations, drug pricing, and other pressing issues are still awaiting resolution. NBCC and members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition have been pushing for the passage of S. 286/H.R. 945, the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, which would allow mental health counselors to bill Medicare, and will continue to do so in the second session of this Congress.

We made significant progress during the first session, which began in Jan. 2019. Between the House and Senate, the legislation has a total of 128 cosponsors. This is the highest number of cosponsors the legislation has had since it was originally introduced in 1999. Thirty senators, nearly one-third of the U.S. Senate, have cosponsored the legislation since January. This is tremendous progress, and we are currently working with our congressional allies to gain even more support.

With the second session looming, we are hoping to continue to build momentum toward passage. This legislation would need to be part of a larger legislative vehicle in order to be passed, as Congress prefers to vote on large issues rather than smaller, individual bills. Congress has yet to have substantive debates on a larger health package so far, and some issues like appropriations will likely need to be resolved before they do. NBCC is hopeful that an opportunity to get this legislation passed will arise, and we will continue to work alongside coalition partners to make it happen.



Share On Social Media:




Read more articles »

NBCC
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, North Carolina 27403

NBCC Facebook NBCC LinkedIn

  • More Information
  • Ethics
  • Careers
  • Newsletter
  • Policy Library
  • Reach Out
  • tel: +336-547-0607
  • fax: +336-547-0017
  • email: nbcc@nbcc.org

Visit Our Sites

CCE Icon
NBCC Icon
EBCC Icon

Cookie Policy Icon Manage Cookie Preferences

The information provided by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC) on the nbcc.org website (site) is for general information purposes only. NBCC makes significant efforts to maintain current and accurate information on this site. We are not responsible for any information concerning NBCC or our programs, services, or activities that is published or displayed on any third-party website(s). These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility. Individuals should verify any information obtained from third-party sources by referring to our official site or contacting our customer service team directly.

Copyright ©2025 National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates | All rights reserved.