Medicare beneficiaries are either people 65 and older or are disabled. It is important to inform them that there could be obstacles to find a mental health provider that can take payment from Medicare's Part B Mental Health Benefit. Almost all providers who can take that payment now perform inpatient care and no longer provide traditional psychotherapy. The result for Medicare beneficiaries is that they must wait extremely long periods and/or travel great distances to find a provider.
Getting information to them about The Mental Health Access Improvement Act can help them become aware of this issue and take steps to fix it. Consider distributing handouts and articles at Senior Fairs and Senior Centers. Your nearest Area Agency on Aging, ADRC, AARP Chapter, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Center for Independent Living can tell you about upcoming Senior Fairs. Area Agencies on Aging and ADRCs can put you in touch with Senior Centers.