Kevin Hern (R-OK)
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The primary goal is to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services provided through telehealth and telecommunications technology. It specifically addresses the treatment of substance use disorder services and mental health services. Additionally, the bill makes changes regarding mental health visits furnished by Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers by striking specific date limitations.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill removes in-person requirements for mental health and substance use disorder services via telehealth and extends coverage via rural clinics and health centers.
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically addresses and extends coverage for mental health visits through Rural Health Clinics.
- Scored +5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
By eliminating geographic restrictions for telehealth, the bill makes it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to access various health services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Removal of geographic requirements for substance use and mental health treatment: The bill amends the Social Security Act so that geographic requirements do not apply to telehealth services for individuals with a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder as determined by the Secretary. This change applies to services furnished on or after July 1, 2020 (Section 1, subsection a).
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Extended coverage for Rural Health Clinics: The bill strikes the phrase "prior to April 1, 2025" regarding mental health visits furnished by Rural Health Clinics, which impacts how these services are treated under the Social Security Act (Section 1, subsection b).
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Extended coverage for Federally Qualified Health Centers: The bill strikes the phrase "prior to April 1, 2025" regarding mental health visits furnished by Federally Qualified Health Centers (Section 1, subsection c).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill removes in-person requirements for mental health and substance use disorder services via telehealth and extends coverage via rural clinics and health centers. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By eliminating geographic restrictions for telehealth, the bill makes it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to access various health services. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill facilitates easier access to treatment for individuals with substance use disorders through expanded telehealth coverage. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill expands the scope of covered telehealth services for mental health and substance use disorders within the Medicare program.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically addresses and extends coverage for mental health visits through Rural Health Clinics. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill improves access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments for Medicare beneficiaries, who are primarily seniors. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The expansion of telehealth and coverage via Federally Qualified Health Centers can improve access for low-income individuals.
- 3/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York