I am writing this letter to you today as a lifelong resident of Maine. As a graduate student in a program to become a licensed LCPC. I wish to bring to your attention the problem LCPC's have in the field of being reimbursed by medicare. I strongly urge you to co-sponsor S. 1830, the "Mental Health Access Improvement Act."
As we live in a state with demographics that at this moment are aging, I feel it is more important now than ever to ensure those with medicare have the proper access so that they can improve their mental health. Sadly, as our senior citizens continue to age they have become more likely to develop mental health issues. For example, they can feel isolated if they live far from family, or just have retired from their jobs. In addition, as Medicare costs continue to soar, or does not cover everything, many seniors go without. …show more content…
LCPC's go through a graduate program, a comprehensive exam, paying for license fees, in Maine two years of post-degree experience. All of that hard work, and effort I believe makes people who are LCPC more than qualified to treat clients. Giving senior's access to these services can also be more effective, as well as cost effective. If they are given the proper treatment, they could avoid more costly treatments such as seeing a psychiatrist.
As the demographics of Maine continue to remain the same, I am respectfully asking that you work with others in the House of Representatives to ensure that the people of Maine, and the professionals all get equal footing with regards to Medicare
As we live in a state with demographics that at this moment are aging, I feel it is more important now than ever to ensure those with medicare have the proper access so that they can improve their mental health. Sadly, as our senior citizens continue to age they have become more likely to develop mental health issues. For example, they can feel isolated if they live far from family, or just have retired from their jobs. In addition, as Medicare costs continue to soar, or does not cover everything, many seniors go without. …show more content…
LCPC's go through a graduate program, a comprehensive exam, paying for license fees, in Maine two years of post-degree experience. All of that hard work, and effort I believe makes people who are LCPC more than qualified to treat clients. Giving senior's access to these services can also be more effective, as well as cost effective. If they are given the proper treatment, they could avoid more costly treatments such as seeing a psychiatrist.
As the demographics of Maine continue to remain the same, I am respectfully asking that you work with others in the House of Representatives to ensure that the people of Maine, and the professionals all get equal footing with regards to Medicare