Senate To Hike Soldier Health Care Reimbursement

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The Senate has voted to allow the Pentagon to raise reimbursement rates for mental health treatment, following reports that soldiers returning from war have had difficulty getting services because of reduced payments to therapists.

Tricare, the military health insurance program, cut its payments to civilian therapists this year because it ties its rates to Medicare, which had dropped its rates. The Associated Press reported in June that the lower payments to therapists were making it harder for veterans to find a therapist who would accept them as a patient.

Some veterans seek treatment from a civilian therapist using the insurance because there is a shortage of military therapists and there are long waits at some military mental health clinics.

Under an amendment by Senator Norm Coleman, R-Minn., which passed the Senate by unanimous consent Tuesday night, the secretary of defense could change the rates if he determines that access to mental health services is threatened. The amendment also requires the secretary to submit a report to Congress on access to mental health services under Tricare.

Sen Coleman said mental health services have become increasingly important for returning soldiers as they face post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological difficulties.

“The last thing we should do right now,” he said, “is make it more difficult for mental-health professionals to provide treatment for these troops and their families as they deal with the challenges associated with reintegration.”

About one-third of returning soldiers seek out mental health counseling in their first year home. A Tricare spokeswoman said she could not comment on pending legislation.