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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Congress seeks to have Medicare cover peer support services at certain mental health clinics starting in 2027

Also known as: PEERS Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(3)
Medicare
Helps
Mental Health
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps

Key Points

  • Would let Medicare pay for peer support services at certain clinics, like community mental health centers and some rural and community health clinics.
  • Defines peer support services as practical and emotional help from trained people who are in recovery themselves, for patients with mental health conditions or substance use disorder.
  • Sets rules for who can provide the help: a certified peer support specialist meeting state or federal certification standards.
  • Limits coverage to specific facility types; peer support services provided outside those settings would not be covered.
  • Changes would start for services provided on or after January 1, 2027.
HealthcareMedicare MedicaidDrug Policy

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 17, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Dec 17, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Late 2026 into early 2027

Clinics begin hiring/contracting certified peer support specialists to deliver billable services

You may see new peer supporter roles added to care teams, making it easier to get help between therapy/doctor visits and after treatment programs

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

PEERS Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 3521
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.