Brian Schatz (D-HI)
A resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Telehealth Awareness Week".
A Democratic resolution with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6798; text: CR S6795)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate voice vote
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
S. Res. 417 designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Telehealth Awareness Week." The resolution recognizes how telehealth helps patients access quality health care, especially in areas with workforce shortages or for those with mobility and transportation barriers. It acknowledges the growth of telehealth use among Medicare beneficiaries and its importance for behavioral health and underserved populations. The Senate urges actions to raise awareness, highlight resources, analyze data, and promote continuous access to telehealth for all communities.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +8
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill explicitly supports the use of telehealth in rural health clinics and for rural populations.
- Scored +8
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The resolution promotes telehealth to overcome mobility, transportation, and workforce shortage barriers to care.
- Scored +7
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The resolution highlights high utilization and satisfaction of telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Access to Care: Telehealth helps individuals who live far from facilities, have limited mobility, or lack transportation to access health services.
-
Support for Underserved Areas: Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics use telehealth to reach rural and underserved populations.
-
Behavioral Health Availability: Telehealth serves as a common modality for Medicare beneficiaries to receive behavioral health services, such as psychotherapy.
-
Resource Awareness: The resolution urges steps to raise awareness about telehealth benefits and highlight resources for both patients and providers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Coverage Lapse: The text notes that any lapse in Medicare coverage for telehealth services could adversely impact patient access to care.
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 people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill explicitly supports the use of telehealth in rural health clinics and for rural populations. Would retired people be better off under this? — Strong focus on Medicare beneficiaries who are typically retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The resolution highlights high utilization and satisfaction of telehealth among Medicare beneficiaries. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Telehealth specifically benefits individuals with limited mobility. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increases access for underserved populations and those with transportation barriers.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The resolution promotes telehealth to overcome mobility, transportation, and workforce shortage barriers to care. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill recognizes telehealth as a critical modality for behavioral health and psychotherapy services.
- 9/19/2025
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S6798; text: CR S6795)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Bill introduced.
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia