Senate to Hike Health Care Reimbursement
Associated Press, September 26th, 2007
The Senate has voted to allow the Pentagon to raise reimbursement
rates for mental health treatment, following reports that soldiers
returning from war have had difficulty getting services because of
reduced payments to therapists.
Tricare, the military health
insurance program, cut its payments to civilian therapists this year
because it ties its rates to Medicare, which had dropped its rates. The
Associated Press reported in June that the lower payments to therapists
were making it harder for veterans to find a therapist who would accept
them as a patient.
Some veterans seek treatment from a civilian
therapist using the insurance because there is a shortage of military
therapists and there are long waits at some military mental health
clinics.
Under an amendment by Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., which
passed the Senate by unanimous consent Tuesday night, the secretary of
defense could change the rates if he determines that access to mental
health services is threatened. The amendment also requires the
secretary to submit a report to Congress on access to mental health
services under Tricare.
Coleman said mental health services have
become increasingly important for returning soldiers as they face
post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological difficulties.
"The
last thing we should do right now," he said, "is make it more difficult
for mental-health professionals to provide treatment for these troops
and their families as they deal with the challenges associated with
reintegration."
About one-third of returning soldiers seek out mental health counseling in their first year home.
A Tricare spokeswoman said she could not comment on pending legislation.
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