Urge Your Members of Congress to Co-Sponsor the PEERS in Medicare Act of 2023!

Mental and behavioral health, compounded by growing rates of reported feelings of isolation, have become leading causes for concern in our nation.

One in four of our nation's 65 million Medicare recipients reportedly lives with a mental health condition, yet roughly 60% of those in need cannot access mental or behavioral health resources through their Medicare coverage. Psychiatry is the top discipline to opt out of Medicare. With both professional workforce shortages and demand for services increasing, peer support services offer a unique solution to the nation's growing mental health crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes peer support as an evidence-based service that: 
●    Increases social support and functioning;
●    Encourages engagement in self-care and wellness;
●    Reduces hospitalization rates and contributes to longer            community tenure. 

SAMHSA also recognizes the flexibility of peer support services, as they can be utilized in both clinical and community-based settings. Passing the Promoting Effective and Empowering Recovery Services (PEERS) in Medicare Act of 2023 would allow peer support services to be offered in historically underserved settings, including rural health clinics, community mental health centers, and certified community behavioral health clinics. This bill would augment mental health care and expand services in settings where they have previously been inaccessible.

Please join Mental Health America in sending a message to your members of Congress urging them to co-sponsor this important legislation.