Policy Updates

NASW applauds the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for allowing clinical social workers (CSWs) to receive Medicare reimbursement for Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services beginning January 2024 through its Physician Fee Schedule final rule (https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-24184.pdf on page 547). This policy will have a profound impact through the provision of counseling, assessment, treatment, and management of physical health conditions that will allow beneficiaries access to emotional and behavioral services by CSWs and will empower beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their health care. NASW has long advocated for this change both to the Administration and to Congress. We thank CMS for recognizing that CSWs are valuable providers of HBAI services and ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries will be better served.