NASW Advocates for Social Workers, Medicare Beneficiaries in Comments to CMS

Practice

The NASW Practice team sent comments in September to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about 2025 policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and other changes to Part B payment and coverage policies.

In its comments, NASW advocated for clinical social workers in relation to the following topics: telehealth, caregiver training services, services for health-related social needs, care management, post-discharge telephonic follow-up services, digital mental health treatment, interprofessional consultation, rural health clinics, federally qualified health clinics, opioid treatment programs, quality payment program, Medicare Part B overpayments and reimbursement rates, and ability to bill Part B for mental health services delivered to beneficiaries simultaneously receiving skilled nursing facility services under Part A.

Additionally, NASW’s comments addressed safety planning interventions, crisis stabilization units, dental services, Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, vaccine access, prescription drug inflation rebate program, and screening for elder maltreatment. The letter is available on the Tips and Tools for Social Workers page.