Medicare Q&A
This page accompanies MMHCA’s monthly Medicare Q&A sessions with Dr. Elizabeth Teklinski, MMHCA Board Member and author of Medicare Post 2025: The Mental Health Counselor’s Comprehensive Manual to Incident-To Billing. Each session provides real-time guidance, policy updates, and compliance strategies specifically for Michigan Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) navigating Medicare. Topics include billing and private practice models, Medicare sign-up instructions, documentation standards, and evolving federal requirements. Below, you’ll find session notes, best practices, key takeaways, and downloadable templates, all designed to help our Michigan LPCs stay informed, compliant, and confident in their Medicare practice.
November 06, 2025
Many Michigan LPCs are asking us the same question: “Do I have to opt in or opt out of Medicare?” The truth is, there’s a third option that most counselors don’t realize exists, and it may be a best fit for independent practitioners. Under the new Medicare law effective January 1, 2024, every fully licensed Michigan LPC must take formal action. You can’t simply ignore Medicare; you must either enroll as a Participating Provider, enroll as a Non-Participating Provider (the flexible middle ground), or file an official Opt-Out Affidavit. This guide explains all three paths in plain language so you can choose the route that fits your practice, your clients, and your business model without losing access or facing compliance risks.
October 30, 2025
Below, MMHCA provides Michigan LPCs with timely updates following the expiration of federal telehealth flexibilities and the ongoing government shutdown. It summarizes the reinstated in-person visit requirements, current billing and documentation standards, audio-only policy updates, and compliance steps for Medicare providers during limited CMS operations.