Washington -- Continuing her long-standing commitment to improving Wyoming’s health care services, U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin has introduced legislation to expand mental health care options for Wyoming seniors. 

“Mental illnesses like depression are legitimate health concerns, and just like any other affliction, they need to be treated by appropriately qualified health care professionals,” Representative Cubin said.  “The legislation I have introduced will help ensure Wyoming’s seniors have access to the mental health services they need.” 

Cubin, joined by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN), introduced H.R. 1588, the Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2007.  The bill would allow seniors to bill Medicare for mental health services provided by licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and marriage and family therapists (MFTs).  Cubin introduced identical legislation in the 109th Congress. 

“Wyoming currently has the highest rate of suicide in the nation – almost twice the national average,” said Cubin.  “We cannot just sit back and allow this trend to continue.  It is imperative that persons suffering from mental illnesses have affordable, accessible treatment.”

Both LPCs and MFTs go through a rigorous training and licensing process similar to the curriculum of master’s level social workers.  Despite this, they are ineligible for participation in the Medicare program.  Currently, Medicare only covers  psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and clinical nurse specialists.

“Thirty-nine percent of suicide deaths in Wyoming are by citizens aged 55 or older,” Cubin said.  “There is so much to live for, no matter what your age, and good mental health is a critical contributor to good physical health.  The Wyoming Department of Health has made an aggressive attempt to reach out to our state’s seniors, and I am whole-heartedly committed to doing all I can at the federal level to put a stop to suicides in Wyoming.”

In 2006, Wyoming had 557 Medicare eligible mental health care providers.  H.R. 1588 would more than double that number by permitting 623 LPCs and 77 MFTs to serve the state’s Medicare beneficiaries.

“Access to quality health care is a hallmark of any good community, and that includes mental health services,” Cubin said.  “I want Wyoming to be great place for seniors to live.  This bill will help accomplish just that.”

A recent White House Conference on Aging specifically recommended expanding Medicare coverage to MFTs as a means to improve access to and delivery of Medicare services in rural areas.  Both LPCs and MFTs are covered under the Veterans healthcare program.

H.R. 1588 is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which both Cubin and Gordon are Members.