Legislative Updates

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New Data Shows Lack of Parity Between Mental and Physical Health Care
Apr 30, 2026|2 min read

Kennedy Forum, Third Horizon, American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and Ballmer Group analyzed data from four major insurance providers.
�ֲ��ýEndorses Bill to Raise Medicare Reimbursement for Counselors
Mar 31, 2026|1 min read

On March 25, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Maggie Hassan.
Tags:
- Federal Issues
�ֲ��ýMentioned in Congressional Resolutions Supporting the Trans Community
Feb 17, 2026|1 min read

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7) introduced H.Res.1058 in the House of Rep while Senator Ed Markey (MA) introduced S.Res.604 in the Senate. These resolutions recognize the duty of the federal government to develop and implement a “Transgender Bill of Rights".
Tags:
- Federal Issues
Update on New Executive Order About Substance Use Disorder
Feb 4, 2026|1 min read

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a series of new substance use disorder (SUD) treatment & mental health initiatives aligning with President Trump’s EO called the Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.
Tags:
- Advocacy
- Federal Issues
New Executive Order on Substance Use Disorder
Feb 2, 2026|1 min read

President Trump issued a new Executive Order (EO) “Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative.” EO launches the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative,” which will help coordinate substance use disorder (SUD) treatment...
Tags:
- Federal Issues

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Advocacy Secures Victory for VA Community Care Providers

Jul 23, 2026|2 min read

Due in part to your advocacy efforts, Optum has reportedly confirmed, in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, that providers who received recoupment notices related to 2024 claims will not be required to repay the alleged overpayments.

�ֲ��ýResponds to HHS Request for Information tied to Great American Recovery Initiative

Jul 6, 2026|2 min read

�ֲ��ýsubmitted comments in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ request for information for input on policy recommendations to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery services for substance use disorders and mental illness.

Update on the RISE Final Rule and Professional Degree Designation

Jul 2, 2026|2 min read

In late June, a D.C. Federal Judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from implementing the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule. Following that decision, the Department of Education released updated guidance...

HHS Announces More Than $700 Million in Behavioral Health Funding

Jun 22, 2026|1 min read

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced more than $700 million in behavioral health funding opportunities to address mental illness, substance use disorders and homelessness.

529 Plan Changes: How These Accounts Can Be More Beneficial for Counselors

Jun 22, 2026|2 min read

H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law in July 2025. Among many other provisions, the changes to 529 plans could positively affect counselors and their financial situation.

Share Your Story: How Insurance Practices Affect Counselors and Clients

Jun 1, 2026|1 min read

Insurers (including Medicaid managed care organizations) have been aggressively pursuing clawbacks, reimbursement reductions, downcoding, and other “cost-saving” approaches. This is enormously disruptive and harmful for the counseling community.

Legal Protections for Conversion Therapy Survivors in Colorado

May 20, 2026|2 min read

Colorado HB26-1322, “Legal Protections for Conversion Therapy Survivors,” has passed the Colorado General Assembly and is currently awaiting action by Governor Jared Polis. Because the legislature adjourned May 13, 2026, the Governor...

Rule Finalized Reducing Access to Federal Student Loans

May 4, 2026|2 min read

The Trump Administration has finalized its rule reducing counseling students’ access to federal student loans. Starting July 1, 2026, as part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED)...

Advocacy Win- CareSource of Ohio Suspends Planned Clawbacks

May 4, 2026|2 min read

Counselors in Ohio reported that CareSource, a nonprofit Medicaid managed care organization (MCO), was planning on taking back payments for behavioral health services after reviewing past claims.

Tennessee LPC/MFT Licensure Board Update

Apr 1, 2026|1 min read

The Tennessee General Assembly advanced a bill (SB 2227/ HB 2539) that would eliminate the Licensed Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy Board and house the administrative functions of the board under a Department of Health commission.

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