THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025 Page 19 bition, a 4-H program or similar exhibition or educational program. Violators would be fi ned $50 per animal for a fi rst off ense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent off ense. “Early separation of puppies and kittens from their mother, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats, are practices that often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld). “I was proud to fi le this legislation in the Senate this session and am glad that it is one step closer to becoming law and establishing new protections for animals throughout the commonwealth.” RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS (S 3006) — Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that would change the name of the Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs to the Executive Offi ce of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates genderneutral language into current law. The original version of the bill was fi led by Gov. Healey in May. “Our population of adults aged 60+ continues to grow, and it is essential that we evolve to meet the changing needs of this group,” said Gov. Healey. “We want residents to feel refl ected in our agencies and to know where to turn when they need support. I look forward to seeing the work that our incredible team at the Executive Offi ce of Aging and Independence will do for the people of Massachusetts.” ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL $5 MILLION FOR ENHANCED SECURITY — The Healey Administration announced nearly $5 million in grants to support more than 100 nonprofit organizations, at high risk of hate crimes or terror attacks, by enhancing their security. The announcement follows the release of the 2023 Hate Crime Report for Massachusetts by the Executive Offi ce of Public Safety and Security. The report documented 557 hate crime reports statewide —a 26.6 percent increase from 440 in 2022. As in previous years, the most common bias motivation in 2023 was based on race, ethnicity or national origin, accounting for 45.1 percent of all incidents. Anti-Jewish off enses which rose from 70 in 2022 to 119 in 2023 saw the sharpest increase. “These organizations off er comfort, services, community and support to those they serve. Our administration is committed to ensuring nonprofi ts and all who gather in these spaces are protected from hate and extremist violence,” said Gov. Healey. “Everyone deserves to safely practice their chosen faith, access health care, seek services and gather in community spaces free from the threat of harm.” ADOPT EMERGENCY REGULATIONS TO PROTECT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Board of Registration in Nursing approved emergency amendments to regulations that will protect nurses from disqualification from licensure and from board discipline for providing, or assisting in providing, reproductive health care services in the Bay State. “When Roe was overturned, we worked with the Legislature to take immediate action to protect providers and patients from liability for providing or receiving an abortion,” said Gov. Healey. “Today, with attacks on reproductive health care and providers escalating across the country, we’re proud to take action to further strengthen those protections. We’re always going to protect people’s rights and freedoms, and we’re going to make sure that everyone can access the high-quality health care they need.” “Our nurses and other providers should not fear discipline or legal action for providing essential health care,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “Approving these emergency regulations … will further ensure that Massachusetts remains a place that everyone can access comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion care.” AGREEMENT ON $43.613 BILLIOM IN REVENUE IN FISCAL YEAR 2006 — Gov. Healey’s Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Senate Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues agreed on a consensus revenue forecast for fiscal year 2026 of $43.613 billion. “This consensus revenue estimate for fi scal year 2026 responsibly refl ects our current economic environment,” said Gorzkowicz. “While our economy and revenues over the past couple years have continued to grow, the post-pandemic rate of growth has slowed and our budgeting must adjust accordingly budgeting process.” “This fi scal year 2026 consensus revenue fi gure will allow the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll administration to collectively construct a reasonable and suitable budget for the upcoming fiscal year,” said Michlewitz. “By being ever watchful of the commonwealth’s fi nances and basing the budget on a judicious consensus revenue fi gure, we will be able to make fiscally sound decisions over the next few months as we work to make the critical investments that our constituents deserve.” “Rooted in sound fi scal decision making, the fi scal year 2026 consensus revenue estimate reflects our ongoing efforts to tighten our belts BEACON | SEE Page 20 Does Medicare Cover Talk Therapy Services? Dear Savvy Senior, What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist. Anxious Annie Dear Annie, Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs to help benefi ciaries with anxiety, depression and many other mental health needs. Here what you should know. Outpatient Coverage If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, your Part B coverage will pay 80 percent (after you’ve met your annual $257 Part B deductible) for a variety of counseling and mental health care services that are provided outside a hospital, such as in a doctor or therapist’s offi ce, hospital outpatient department or community health center. These services can also be received via telehealth. You, or your Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy, is responsible for the remaining 20 percent coinsurance. Medicare also gives you the expanded option of getting treatment through a variety of health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors. To get this coverage, you’ll need to choose a participating provider that accepts Medicare assignment, which means they accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment for a service. If you choose a nonparticipating provider who accepts Medicare but does not agree to Medicare’s payment rate, you may have to pay more. And if you choose an opt-out provider that does not accept Medicare payments at all, you will be responsible for the entire cost. To locate a mental health care professional in your area that accepts Medicare, go to Medicare.gov/care-compare, click on “doctors & clinicians” and type in your location, followed by “clinical psychologist” or “psychiatry” in the Name & Keyword box. You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227. Inpatient Coverage If you happen to need mental health services in either a general or psychiatric hospital, original Medicare Part A covers this too, after you’ve met your $1,676 Part A deductible. Your doctor should determine which hospital setting you need. If you receive care in a psychiatric hospital, Medicare covers up to 190 days of inpatient care for your lifetime. And if you use your lifetime days but need additional care, Medicare may cover additional inpatient care at a general hospital. Additional Coverage In addition to the outpatient and inpatient mental health services, Medicare also covers yearly depression screenings that must be done in a primary care doctor’s offi ce or clinic. Annual depression screenings are covered 100 percent. And if you have a Medicare prescription drug plan, most medications used to treat mental health conditions are covered too. Medicare Advantage Coverage If you get your Medicare benefi ts through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too provide the same coverage as original Medicare does, but may impose diff erent rules and will likely require you to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for details. For more information, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and request a copy of publication #10184 “Medicare & Your Mental Health Benefi ts,” or you can read it online at Medicare.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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