Peer support specialists use their lived experiences with mental health and substance use challenges to help others navigate recovery, access care, and build meaningful connections in their communities. These trained professionals are an essential part of the behavioral health workforce, yet barriers continue to limit access to peer support services and opportunities for peer specialists.
Congress is currently considering two bills that would help address these challenges by expanding access to peer support services and strengthening the peer support workforce.
The PEERS in Medicare Act (H.R. 6841/S. 3521) would expand Medicare coverage for peer support activities in community-based health care settings, including rural health clinics and community mental health centers. This legislation would help more people receive support from trained peer specialists as part of their behavioral health care.
The Peer Support Act (H.R. 2741/S. 1329) would help reduce employment barriers for peer specialists with justice system involvement, strengthen the voices of people in recovery in federal policymaking, and improve how the federal government recognizes and tracks the peer support workforce. These changes would help create more opportunities for individuals to use their lived experience to support others.
Together, these bills would help ensure that more people can access peer support services while recognizing and strengthening the essential role of peer specialists in the behavioral health workforce.
Take action today! Urge your members of Congress to support the PEERS in Medicare Act and the Peer Support Act to expand access to peer support services and strengthen the peer workforce.

Tell Congress to expand access to peer support services and strengthen the peer workforce

As your constituent and a mental health advocate, I am writing to urge you to support two important pieces of bipartisan legislation: the PEERS in Medicare Act (H.R. 6841/S. 3521) and the Peer Support Act (H.R. 2741/S. 1329).

Peer support specialists are trained professionals who use their lived experiences with mental health and substance use challenges to help others navigate recovery, access services, and build connections in their communities. Peer support is an important component of person-centered behavioral health care, yet there are many barriers to accessing these services and entering the peer support workforce.

The PEERS in Medicare Act would expand Medicare coverage for peer support activities in community-based settings, including rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and community mental health centers. While Medicare currently reimburses some peer support activities as part of care navigation, coverage remains limited. This legislation would more explicitly recognize peer support services under Medicare, helping people access recovery-oriented support in the communities where they live.

The Peer Support Act would address several challenges facing the peer support workforce. Peer specialists with criminal justice system involvement can face employment restrictions because of background checks, even when their personal history makes them particularly well-equipped to support others in recovery. The bill would require federal research and recommendations to help states reduce these barriers. It would also formally establish an Office of Recovery within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to elevate the voices of people in recovery and strengthen federal support for recovery services. Additionally, the bill would establish a distinct federal occupational classification for peer support specialists, helping policymakers better understand the size and needs of this growing workforce.

Together, these bills would expand access to community-based behavioral health services while recognizing the valuable contributions of peer support specialists. As Congress considers ways to strengthen the behavioral health workforce and improve access to care, peer support must be prioritized.

I urge you to support the PEERS in Medicare Act and the Peer Support Act and help advance policies that recognize the value of lived experience in behavioral health care.

Thank you for your consideration.