How Do Changes in Medicare Reimbursement for Mental Health Services Impact Access for Rural Older Adults?

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Examines how policies allowing marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and mental health counselors (MHCs) to independently bill Medicare have impacted mental healthcare access among Medicare beneficiaries living in rural areas. Utilizes interview data from 14 leaders representing rural health systems and mental health organizations regarding their perceptions on mental healthcare access, Medicare reimbursement policy, and the inclusion of MFTs and MHCs as mental health providers for Medicare recipients.

Natalia V. Oster, C. Holly A. Andrilla, Davis G. Patterson, Signe Burchim, Janessa M. Graves

Journal of Rural Health, 42(2), e70162

05/2026

Access · Behavioral health workforce · Elderly population · Medicare · Mental health · Policy · Reimbursement and payment models