PEERS Act of 2025

This bill seeks to expand Medicare coverage by including peer support services for beneficiaries with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. It specifically amends the Social Security Act to allow these services to be furnished by certified peer support specialists within various healthcare settings. The legislation aims to enhance access to crucial recovery-oriented support. Under the bill, peer support services would be covered when provided by community mental health centers , rural health clinics , federally qualified health centers , and certified community behavioral health clinics . A "peer support specialist" is defined as an individual in recovery from a mental health or substance use condition, certified according to established national guidelines. These services are designed to offer emotional, informational, instrumental, and social support to assist individuals in achieving recovery, community integration, and self-determination. The provisions of this bill are slated to take effect on January 1, 2027.