Bill Sponsors
Representative Arthur J. Corvese
Committee
House Finance
Summary
Select
This bill mandates that the state Medicaid program must pay for services provided by licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs). Specifically, it allows these social workers to enroll directly with Medicaid and bill the state for authorized mental health services provided to adults who have Medicaid fee-for-service coverage. The bill directs state officials to create a specific fee schedule and the necessary rules to manage these payments, ensuring these professionals can be reimbursed directly for their work rather than needing to bill through other agencies or organizations.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Expands access to mental health services for low-income populations by increasing the network of available providers who can bill Medicaid directly.
- Strengthens the social safety net by removing administrative barriers that previously prevented some qualified social workers from treating Medicaid recipients.
- Empowers labor and healthcare workers by allowing independent social workers to sustain their practice through direct reimbursement, rather than relying on larger corporate agencies.
Cons for Progressives
- Relies on a fee-for-service model, which some progressives argue prioritizes the quantity of visits over the quality and holistic value of patient care.
- Does not explicitly address reimbursement rates, which, if set too low by the director, may result in a system where providers still refuse to accept Medicaid patients.
- Specifically limits the mandate to services provided to "adults," potentially leaving gaps in coverage availability for children and adolescents in need of similar direct-access care.
Pros for Conservatives
- Reduces bureaucratic red tape by allowing private practitioners to bill directly, rather than forcing them to work through larger, potentially inefficient intermediary agencies.
- Supports small business owners (independent clinical social workers) by enabling them to operate their private practices more autonomously and financially sustainably.
- Promotes market competition in the healthcare sector by expanding the pool of eligible providers, potentially offering patients more choice in their care.
Cons for Conservatives
- Expands government spending by mandating new avenues for Medicaid payouts, which will likely increase the burden on taxpayers.
- Increases the size and scope of the state's welfare apparatus, entrenching government involvement in the healthcare marketplace.
- Delegates authority to unelected bureaucrats to promulgate new rules and fee schedules, expanding the administrative state.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs)
- Adult Medicaid recipients
- Medicaid administrators
- Mental health patients
- Taxpayers
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/07/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws entitled "Medical Assistance" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
40-8-33. Licensed independent clinical social workers - Services covered.
Notwithstanding any general law, public law, special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, Medicaid reimbursement shall be provided under this chapter for services by licensed independent clinical social workers and those workers shall be entitled to enroll and bill Medicaid fee-for- service directly for authorized and/or covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for- service coverage. The director is hereby directed to develop and promulgate a fee schedule and any necessary rules or regulations required to implement the provisions of this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
40-8-33. Licensed independent clinical social workers - Services covered.
Notwithstanding any general law, public law, special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, Medicaid reimbursement shall be provided under this chapter for services by licensed independent clinical social workers and those workers shall be entitled to enroll and bill Medicaid fee-for- service directly for authorized and/or covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for- service coverage. The director is hereby directed to develop and promulgate a fee schedule and any necessary rules or regulations required to implement the provisions of this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.