U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) have reintroduced the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to occupational therapy for individuals receiving treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Senator Scott stated, “With substance use and mental health challenges affecting millions of Americans, expanding access to care is critical. This bipartisan bill helps remove barriers for Medicare beneficiaries while empowering occupational therapists to provide the care patients need to recover and thrive.”
Senator Hassan added, “This bipartisan bill would help more patients with substance use and mental health disorders access treatment through occupational therapy, which can play a key role in recovery. This legislation is a commonsense way to help make available every tool for patients to stay in recovery.”
The proposed legislation addresses current issues where Medicare claim processors and state Medicaid programs often deny claims for occupational therapy related to mental health or substance use disorders due to unclear guidance. The bill seeks to clarify that under both Medicare and Medicaid, occupational therapists are permitted to provide care not only for psychiatric disorders but also for mental health and substance misuse conditions. By enabling these professionals to assist patients with activities such as exercise or lifestyle changes, the measure aims to support individuals in their treatment or recovery process.
