Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The PEERS Act expands Medicare coverage to include peer support services—emotional, informational, and community support provided by people with lived experience of mental health or substance use disorders—at community mental health centers, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and certified community behavioral health clinics. Peer support specialists must be individuals recovering from mental health or substance use conditions and certified according to national practice guidelines and competency standards established by their state or the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The legislation affects Medicare beneficiaries struggling with mental health or substance use disorders who could benefit from peer-led recovery support services, as well as the mental health facilities and peer specialists providing these services. The new coverage takes effect on January 1, 2027, with no specific funding amount authorized in the bill itself, though implementation costs would be absorbed by the Medicare program. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means for consideration.
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