Over 61 million U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2024 (latest data available), with persistently high rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, gun violence, and drug overdose deaths. While the COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing mental health and substance use crises, access barriers remain significant—43% of insured adults with fair or poor mental health reported unmet needs in the past year, with older Americans facing many obstacles to access care.
The 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: What Mental Health Beneficiaries and Older Adults Need to Know
Understanding How CMS Payment Reforms Will Affect Mental Health Access, Quality, and Service Delivery for America’s Seniors Joel E. Miller, Treasurer and Past Chair, National
NCMHA
August 4, 2026