# Plain Language Summary: Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

This bill expands what Medicare will pay for when it comes to social worker services. Right now, Medicare only covers clinical social workers when they're treating mental illness. This bill removes that restriction, meaning Medicare will now pay for social workers to help with a wider range of health issues and situations—not just mental health problems. The bill also clarifies that Medicare will cover supplies and materials that social workers need to do their jobs, similar to how it covers supplies for other healthcare providers.

The practical effect is that seniors and people with disabilities covered by Medicare will have easier access to social workers in more healthcare settings. For example, a social worker could help an elderly patient figure out how to pay for medications, arrange home care after surgery, or navigate housing options—and Medicare would cover these services. Previously, these same services might not have been covered unless they were specifically tied to treating a mental illness. Social workers could also use things like assessment tools or educational materials as part of their work, and those costs would be covered too.

This change takes effect on December 1, 2025, so it won't impact anyone immediately, but once it kicks in, it should make it easier for healthcare providers to include social workers on their teams without worrying about whether Medicare will reimburse them. The goal is to integrate social workers more fully into regular healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices, rather than limiting them mainly to mental health treatment.

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act

Kiggans, Jennifer A.

Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings ActThis bill expands the scope of services that may be performed by clinical social workers under Medicare. Specifically, the bill allows clinical social workers to furnish any services&nbsp;that they are authorized to furnish under state law, rather than only services that relate to diagnosing or treating mental illnesses.