Senate Approves McIlhinney Bill to Aid Social Workers

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation today that would require Highmark to pay social workers directly for their services, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks), the bill's sponsor.

Senate Bill 998 would add licensed clinical social workers to the list of health professionals that receive direct reimbursements from Highmark. Highmark currently does not make direct payments to social workers. Instead, payments are sent to doctors or health care facilities who then reimburse social workers.

"Our Commonwealth is blessed with a number of talented individuals who make a living by helping others," McIlhinney said. "We need to do more to ensure that they can continue to help those in need without presenting greater difficulties when receiving compensation."

Senate Bill 998 passed unanimously and will go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact:

Heather Cevasco
(717)787-7305