PEERS Act of 2025
Rep. Chu and Rep. Smith Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Medicare Coverage for Peer Support Services
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
↔Companion bill: Congress seeks to have Medicare cover peer support services at certain mental health clinics starting in 2027Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, known as the PEERS Act of 2025, would expand Medicare to cover "peer support services." These are services where people who have lived through mental health or addiction challenges help others going through similar struggles.
- The services would be available at specific locations, including rural health clinics, community mental health centers, and federally qualified health centers. This is intended to make it easier for people in underserved or rural areas to get help.
- To provide these services, a "peer support specialist" must be in recovery themselves and hold a certification that meets national standards. They provide emotional and social support to help patients stay active in their communities and stick to their recovery goals.
- Patients would be eligible for this support if they have a diagnosed mental health condition or a substance use disorder. The bill aims to treat these issues using a team-based approach that includes people with real-world experience.
- If the bill becomes law, Medicare would start paying for these services on January 1, 2027. This delay gives the government and health centers time to set up the new rules and certification processes.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Programs
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who qualify for Medicare due to a disability and have a mental health or substance use diagnosis would gain access to peer support services. This is a relatively small subset of SSDI recipients, but for those affected, it could provide meaningful support in managing their conditions and working toward recovery.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
PEERS Act
Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) reintroduced the bipartisan PEERS in Medicare Act to expand access to peer support specialists. The bill would require Medicare to cover services provided at rural health clinics, community mental health centers, and other facilities.
Medicare Part B Updates for Peer Support Specialists in Behavioral Health for Older Adults and People With Disabilities
This article discusses the integration of peer support into Medicare, noting that while 2024 reforms allowed some billing, the PEERS Act of 2025 seeks to further expand coverage to community-based settings like rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.
Peer Support and the Future of Recovery
The article highlights the growing evidence for peer-based care and the legislative push to expand Medicare reimbursement through the PEERS Act. It notes that peer support improves treatment retention and reduces relapse rates while lowering long-term healthcare costs.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
PEERS Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.