Florida Medicare Part B for Therapists and Psychiatrists
Florida Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care and pays psychiatrists, psychologists and other licensed clinicians who enroll. This guide explains who processes your claims, which enrollment form to use, who can bill, how long telehealth flexibilities last and how long you have to file. Status is current as of October 15, 2026. Confirm each CMS page before you act. This is operational guidance, not legal advice.
Billing on your own? See our guide to solo therapist billing in Florida.
Who processes Florida Medicare Part B claims
Florida Medicare Part B claims go to one Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). First Coast Service Options is the MAC for Florida, and its provider site at medicare.fcso.com covers claims and EDI tools, appeals, enrollment support and billing resources. First Coast’s contact center page lists its current phone lines and hours, so use that page rather than an old number. Our Florida insurance companies contact guide lists the contractor and the private insurer numbers.
Which form to use for Florida Medicare Part B enrollment
First Coast’s enrollment forms page shows three forms:
- CMS-855I for individual physicians and non-physician practitioners.
- CMS-855B for clinics and groups.
- CMS-855O for providers who only order or refer.
Online enrollment runs through PECOS, the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System. You need an NPI (National Provider Identifier) first. PECOS lets you check application status, pay application fees and e-sign.
Who can bill Florida Medicare Part B for mental health
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are defined in 42 CFR 410.53, and mental health counselors (MHCs) in 42 CFR 410.54. The MHC definition requires a master’s or doctoral degree that qualifies for licensure, at least two years or 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience and licensure or certification in the state where you work.
The 2024 start date comes from the calendar year 2024 Physician Fee Schedule final rule, which says the regulations were effective January 1, 2024. See the Federal Register notice. Under 42 CFR 410.78, eligible telehealth practitioners include clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, MFTs and MHCs.
Telehealth under Florida Medicare Part B through 2027
The CMS Telehealth FAQ, updated October 9, 2026, says that through December 31, 2027, patients can receive Medicare telehealth anywhere in the U.S., including at home. Geographic and place-of-service limits for behavioral health were permanently removed.
- After December 31, 2027, mental health telehealth requires an in-person visit within 6 months before the first telehealth service.
- Patients who started at home before that date are treated as established and need an in-person visit at least every 12 months afterward.
- Audio-only in the home is allowed through December 31, 2027, and after that only if the clinician can use video and the patient cannot or does not consent.
Filing limits for Florida Medicare Part B
Under 42 CFR 424.44, a Medicare claim must be filed no later than the close of the period ending one calendar year after the date of service. Exceptions are in subsections (b) and (e). Medicare Advantage plans are private plans, so follow the member’s card and the plan contract. For the private insurer clocks, see our Florida prompt pay law guide.
Where MCM South helps
MCM South Medical Billing Service bills for psychotherapists and psychiatrists. We currently serve practices in Georgia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois. If Florida Medicare Part B billing is slowing your practice, get a free quote or schedule a consultation.
Keep learning: the insurance companies contact by state directory, the CPT and E/M code guide, the billing terms glossary, insurance credentialing, credentialing and network status, our page on credentialed vs. noncredentialed with insurance and the mental health billing FAQ.
FAQs
Who processes Florida Medicare Part B claims?
First Coast Service Options is the Medicare Administrative Contractor for Florida.
Which form do I use for Florida Medicare Part B enrollment?
Individual practitioners use the CMS-855I, groups and clinics use the CMS-855B, and providers who only order or refer use the CMS-855O.
How long do I have to file a Florida Medicare Part B claim?
A claim must be filed no later than the end of the period one calendar year after the date of service, under 42 CFR 424.44.
Is Florida Medicare Part B telehealth for therapy still covered?
CMS says flexibilities run through December 31, 2027, with an in-person visit rule for mental health telehealth after that date.
