A Democratic bill with no 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
The Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025 aims to make several Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent. It amends the Social Security Act to extend access to various telehealth services, including audio-only technology and services provided by specific health centers. The bill also eliminates certain in-person requirements for specific services like mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Additionally, it extends acute hospital care at home waiver flexibilities. The legislation requires new guidance for individuals with limited English proficiency and updates rules for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. Finally, it mandates outreach regarding screenings for medication-induced movement disorders.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +8
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill expands and protects important telehealth services and benefits for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Scored +8
Would retired people be better off under this?
The bill provides long-term stability and expansion of telehealth benefits for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Scored +8
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The bill significantly improves healthcare access through permanent telehealth flexibilities and expanded provider options.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Permanent Telehealth Access: The bill makes various telehealth flexibilities permanent rather than temporary, which provides continuous access to services (Section 2).
-
Expanded Provider Options: It expands the group of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services (Section 2(b)).
-
Continued Support from Health Centers: It extends telehealth services that are furnished by Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics (Section 2(c)).
-
Audio-Only Options: The bill addresses the treatment of telehealth services furnished using audio-only telecommunications technology (Section 2(d)).
-
Elimination of In-Person Barriers: Certain services, such as home dialysis, stroke telehealth, substance use disorder services, and mental health services, no longer require specific in-person requirements (Section 2(e)).
-
Improved Hospice Care Access: The bill allows for the use of telehealth to conduct face-to-face encounters required for hospice care recertification (Section 2(f)).
-
Expanded Hospital Care at Home: It extends flexibilities for acute hospital care at home (Section 4).
-
Support for Limited English Proficiency: The Secretary is required to issue guidance to help individuals with limited English proficiency access digital portals, instructions, and interpreters during telemedicine appointments (Section 5).
-
Improved Diabetes Prevention: The bill allows for online services within the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) and removes limits on how many times an individual may enroll (Section 7).
-
Enhanced Disease Screening: The Secretary must provide education and outreach regarding periodic screenings for medication-induced movement disorders (Section 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
New Documentation Requirements: Physicians and practitioners will be required to use specific codes or modifiers for certain telehealth claims, such as those involving virtual platforms or services incident to a professional service (Section 2(g)).
-
Increased Hospice Claim Requirements: Hospice claims used to conduct face-to-face encounters via telehealth must include specific modifiers or codes (Section 3).
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill provides long-term stability and expansion of telehealth benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill expands and protects important telehealth services and benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill extends telehealth services specifically for rural health clinics, improving rural healthcare access. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill includes specific guidance to help individuals with limited English proficiency access telehealth services. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill improves digital access and guidance for individuals with diverse communication needs. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill improves access to health services through telehealth, which can benefit low-income individuals.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill significantly improves healthcare access through permanent telehealth flexibilities and expanded provider options. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill permanentizes telehealth flexibilities for mental health and substance use disorder services. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill expands coverage and maintains flexibilities within the Medicare program.
- 3/21/2025
- 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.
- Introduced in House
- 2/25/2025
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H775)
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.