Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Direct Medicaid Billing for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers

This bill would allow licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs) in Rhode Island to enroll directly as Medicaid providers and bill the state's Medicaid program on their own for services they provide to adult patients. Currently, these social workers may need to bill through another provider or agency rather than submitting claims to Medicaid independently. The bill specifically applies to adults who have Medicaid fee-for-service coverage, which is the type of Medicaid where the state pays providers directly for each service rather than through a managed care plan.

The change would primarily affect two groups. First, licensed independent clinical social workers — who are trained mental health professionals authorized to diagnose and treat mental health conditions — would gain the ability to operate more independently within the Medicaid system, potentially making it easier for them to run private practices that serve Medicaid patients. Second, adults on Medicaid fee-for-service plans could benefit from greater access to mental health and behavioral health services, since more social workers might be willing and able to accept Medicaid patients when they can bill the program directly.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Finance Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. If passed, it would amend the state's laws governing medical assistance to formally recognize licensed independent clinical social workers as eligible to participate directly in the Medicaid program for the covered services they provide to this patient population.