Policy Updates

NASW is working in partnership with the Legal Action Center’s Medicare Addiction Parity Project to collect stories from people who use Medicare and who have not been able to get the substance use disorder treatment they need. We are asking social workers, colleagues, family, and friends to submit stories that will be used to encourage policymakers to improve treatment and access to substance use disorder and other behavioral health services.

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U.S. Department of Education to Overhaul Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

NASW, active in coalition around strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and restoring the failed promise of loan forgiveness for public service workers, is pleased to learn that the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd) will overhaul the PSLF program. The changes are substantial and will result in many social workers getting student loans forgiven and/or years of public service counted toward forgiveness.

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ACTION ALERT: Send this prewritten, customizable email now to your Senators and Representative urging co-sponsorship of the Improving Access to Mental Health Act.

The Improving Access to Mental Health Act (S. 870/H.R. 2035) was reintroduced in the 117th Congress by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Barrasso (R-WY) and Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA-13).

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NASW is among 18 organizations that has endorsed the Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act (H.R. 5218), which will improve access to evidence-based mental health and substance use care by supporting and investing in the implementation of the Collaborative Care Model in primary care offices.

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NASW has signed on to be a partner organization for the October 2, 2021, Women’s March. The purpose of the Women’s March is to mobilize and defend our reproductive rights.

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Review the Changes and Comment by September 13

In July 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that announced proposed policy and practice changes for Medicare Part B payments beginning January 1, 2022. The proposed changes may impact the work and reimbursement of social workers in various settings and that of other Medicare providers.

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NASW is an official partner in coalition with the Student Borrower Protection Center and other organizations on a campaign to Tell President Biden to Eliminate Student Debt for Public Service Workers. NASW invites social workers to share stories of their experiences in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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August 28, 2021 | Join Virtually or In Person | How to Participate in the March Online With NASW

Did you know there are currently 400 bills in circulation nationwide that aim to restrict or outright suppress the right to vote? NASW is calling on the nation’s 700,000+ social workers to join us online on August 28 at 11:30 am ET to ensure the right to vote remains protected and accessible. Marches are scheduled virtually and in person in Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, and Washington, DC. Please check COVID-19 conditions and masking requirements in your state.

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NASW is an official partner in coalition with the Student Borrower Protection Center and other organizations on a campaign to Tell President Biden to Eliminate Student Debt for Public Service Workers. NASW invites social workers to share stories of their experiences in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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Virtual Congressional Advocacy Day, July 22, 2021
Training for Advocacy Day, July 13

Join us virtually July 22 to help advance legislation that will strengthen the social work profession and our clients. You’ll meet your congressional delegation to tell them your professional and personal experiences as a social worker in your community and as a constituent.

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