PEERS Act of 2023 Promoting Effective and Empowering Recovery Services in Medicare Act of 2023
If enacted, HB6748 would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by formally including coverage for peer support services, which would be effective starting January 1, 2025. This legislative move is designed to make peer support services reimbursable under Medicare, thus enabling more individuals to access these vital support mechanisms. By integrating peer support into the Medicare framework, the bill aims to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare services and personal lived experiences of recovery, fostering a more holistic approach to mental health treatment.
House Bill 6748, also known as the Promoting Effective and Empowering Recovery Services in Medicare Act of 2023 (PEERS Act), aims to enhance mental health support under the Medicare program by covering peer support services. These services are defined as emotional, informational, instrumental, and affiliational support provided by certified peer support specialists, specifically to individuals diagnosed with mental disorders or substance use disorders. The bill intends to expand the types of support available to Medicare beneficiaries to improve their recovery and integration into the community, encouraging self-empowerment and self-determination.
The bill's journey could face some contention primarily due to the nature of the services it aims to cover. While proponents advocate that peer support specialists provide invaluable services based on personal experiences of recovery, critics may raise concerns regarding the qualifications of these specialists and the standards under which they operate. Ensuring effective training and certification protocols for peer support specialists will be crucial for the legislation’s acceptance and implementation, given the sensitive nature of mental and substance use recovery services.