There is a proposed cut to Medicare reimbursement for many health care providers, including LCSWs, scheduled for January 1, 2021. This 7% cut is connected to Evaluation and Management services, for diagnostic and treatment services that LCSWs provide. It is imperative that all LCSWs contact their members of Congress as soon as possible to let them know how damaging this would be for LCSWs.
We are fortunate to have the support of Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and 93 members of Congress in stopping this cut. Please check the letter they wrote to Congressional leadership at https://rush.house.gov/sites/rush.house.gov/files/documents/Letter%20to%20Leadership%20on%20EM%20Code%20Cuts%20General.pdf and thank your legislator if he or she signed on.
Even if you are not a Medicare clinician, please send the following message to your members of Congress at https://www.contactingcongress.org:
“I am a member of the Clinical Social Work Association, a Medicare provider [if you are], and a constituent. Maintaining budget neutrality on the backs of clinical social workers and other mental health providers is a burden that I will not be able to bear. I am already paid 25% less than other mental health providers for the same diagnostic and treatment services as other mental health providers. My fixed costs have not changed. The onslaught of COVID-19 has increased the need for mental health services. Please make it possible for me to continue to provide them by eliminating the proposed Medicare reimbursement cut.”
As always, let me know when you have sent your messages - lwgroshong@clinicalsocialworkassociation.org
Laura Groshong, LICSW, Director, Policy and Practice, Government Relations Chair Clinical Social Work Association The National Voice of Clinical Social Work
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