Press Releases

Kennedy, a Licensed Occupational Therapist, Leads Bipartisan Effort to Expand Access to Services for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act, bipartisan legislation to improve access to occupational therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries living with mental health and substance use disorders. 

“As the only occupational therapist in Congress, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this kind of care can be for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges,” said Rep. Kennedy. “My bill improves access to covered occupational therapy services for Medicare patients, ensuring OTs increasingly become a part of our mental health workforce. At a time when mental health and substance use crises are overwhelming communities across this country, we must tap into every available resource, including the holistic skills of occupational therapists, to improve health outcomes.”

"No senior should be turned away from care they’re already entitled to, especially when it comes to managing mental health or addiction," said Rep. Nunn. "Our bipartisan bill cuts red tape and makes sure Iowans can actually access the occupational therapy services already on the books. It’s about giving folks meaningful tools to stay independent, safe, and healthy."

“We are deeply grateful to Representative Tim Kennedy and Representative Zach Nunn for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to care and strengthening our nation’s mental health system,” said AOTA Chief Executive Officer Katie Jordan. “Occupational therapy was born in mental health, and today it remains a vital—yet underutilized—part of mental health services. The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act is a critical step toward ensuring Medicare beneficiaries can access the full scope of occupational therapy services to support their mental well-being.” 

“Congressman Kennedy has always been a champion and a leader for healthcare, both in New York and now in Washington,” said Jeff Tomlinson, Legislative Chair of NYSOTA. “The legislation Kennedy is sponsoring is common sense and at no cost. The bill simply clarifies that people on Medicare with mental health challenges have the same access to occupational therapy rehabilitation services as a person with physical health problems.”

Background:

The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct educational outreach to stakeholders, clarifying that OT services can be billed under Medicare codes for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. While OT is already a covered service under Medicare for an individual with a mental health diagnosis, these existing benefits are severely underutilized. Many occupational therapists also face billing challenges under Medicare when treating patients with psychosocial needs, further limiting access to care. By improving awareness of existing Medicare benefits, this bill closes gaps in behavioral health workforce shortages and addresses unmet needs for mental health care.  

This legislation is endorsed by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA).

###