PEERS Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill would change Medicare law to add "peer support services" as a covered service when provided at certain community health sites. It adds a new definition of peer support services and of a peer support specialist. The bill says peer support services are emotional, informational, instrumental, and social and community support given to people diagnosed with a mental health condition or substance use disorder to help with recovery, community integration, self-empowerment, and self-determination. A peer support specialist is a person in recovery who is certified under a State process or a process the Secretary approves and that is consistent with national guidelines. The bill also amends Medicare exclusions to say peer support services are not covered when they are not furnished by a rural health clinic, a Federally qualified health center (FQHC), a community mental health center, or a certified community behavioral health clinic. The changes apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.

What it means for you#

• Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with a mental health condition or a substance use disorder could receive peer support services at participating community mental health centers, FQHCs, rural health clinics, and certified community behavioral health clinics.
• People who provide these services must be certified as peer support specialists under a State or Secretary-approved process consistent with national guidelines.
• Peer support services furnished outside the listed facility types would not be covered by Medicare under the amendment.
• The rule would take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2027.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, payment rates, or budgetary effects appears in the bill text or provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.