DBSA joined ten national mental health organizations this week in supporting the reintroduction of the PEERS in Medicare Act (S.3521/H.R.6841) – bipartisan legislation that would significantly expand access to peer support services nationwide. Sponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), the bill would allow Medicare to cover peer support services at community health centers, rural health clinics, and mental health centers across the country.
Peer support specialists bring something powerful to mental health care: lived experience. They’ve walked similar paths and are trained to help others navigate their own wellness journeys. The evidence is clear – peer support decreases hospitalizations, improves engagement with care, builds connection, and enhances quality of life. For communities with limited access to mental health providers, this legislation offers a person-centered approach that meets people where they are. It builds on proven success from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which first included peer support specialists in Medicare integrated care teams.
Read our joint statement and learn more about the legislation.
