Advancing Access to Telehealth Act
Advancing Access to Telehealth Act
Plain Language Summary
# Advancing Access to Telehealth Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would make permanent several temporary telehealth flexibilities that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it would allow Medicare (the federal health insurance program for seniors and certain disabled individuals) to permanently cover telehealth services in new ways. The changes include allowing patients to receive telehealth services from their homes, expanding which types of healthcare facilities can serve as the location of the healthcare provider, and allowing additional types of therapists (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists) to provide services via telehealth. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (seniors age 65+ and some disabled individuals), healthcare providers who deliver telehealth services, and rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.
Rural areas would likely see particular benefit, as telehealth can improve access to specialists and services in regions with limited healthcare facilities. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan.
CRS Official Summary
Advancing Access to Telehealth ActThis bill modifies requirements relating to coverage of telehealth services under Medicare.Specifically, the bill permanently extends certain flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19. Among other things, the bill allows (1) rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner); (2) the home of a beneficiary to serve as the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) for all services (rather than for only certain services); and (3) audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to furnish telehealth services.
Latest Action
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.