PEERS Act of 2025

This legislation proposes to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, significantly expanding Medicare coverage to include peer support services . These services would be available to beneficiaries at various facilities, including community mental health centers, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and certified community behavioral health clinics. The primary goal is to provide crucial support for individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions or substance use disorders, aiding them in achieving recovery, community integration, self-empowerment, and self-determination. The bill defines peer support services as emotional, informational, instrumental, and social/community support, furnished by a peer support specialist . A peer support specialist is an individual recovering from a mental health or substance use condition, certified under State or Secretary-approved processes consistent with national guidelines. The legislation also modifies existing Medicare exclusions to ensure that these services are covered only when provided by the specified facilities, with the amendments taking effect for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.