September 20th, 2023
The following news points are released from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the Federal level.
MFTs and MHCs will receive 75% of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rate paid to clinical psychologists. This rate will be equal to that of LCSWs, and it is set in the federal statute passed by Congress.
At the most recent Webinar Medicare 401 August 17, 2023, that AAMFT releases and participates in the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, the following is provider enrollment for MFTs/MHCs. You can submit an application one of two ways. Enrollment will begin when the CMS rule is published which is approximately November 1, 2023.
Complete paper form CMS 855 I available at cms.hhs.gov and send to your Medicare Administrative Contractor.
80% applicants will be notified within 30 days.100% will be notified within 65 days.
Complete an electronic application via the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (pecos.com.hhs.gov).
95% applicants will be notified within 15 days.100% will be notified within 50 days.
If you practice in a group, the group complete forms CMS 8558 and you complete 855R.
Telebehavioral health services by MFTs/MHCs is permanently permitted.
Practitioners can use the NPI number they already have.
Services will be paid only for outpatient services.
MFTs who meet the eligibility requirements are: Licensed, has a doctoral or Master degree and post degree 2 year or 3000 hours supervised clinical experience.
I urge MFTs who are LIMHP or LMHP to apply. You can 1) enroll, take all assignments , 2) opt out, do not enroll, still have to follow rules to charge Medicare clients or 3) be nonparticipating provider, take case by case. For basic information: cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-
and-certification
Anne Buettner, M.A.,
Legislative Chair