1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

"I am Your constituent, a licensed clinical social worker, a member of the Clinical Social Work Association and National Association of Social Workers. Please pass a bill that will allow mental health care providers to continue treating Medicare patients with mental health and substance use problems virtually. This has become the only way many patients can receive treatment. If not changed, these patients will be unable to continue to work on these serious problems after December 31, 2024. Not only are rural clients at risk, but in-town clients need virtual at times due to their problems, whether physical health or mental health. Keep in mind that private insurers often follow the lead of Medicare. If virtual care isn't approved, this may shut down many mental health care programs. Don't buy it if someone tries to tell you that virtual telephone and/or zoom type platforms aren't effective because it is in the scope of practice of the mental health care provider to determine if virtual care is appropriate for a particular patient. This is always assessed.