H.R. 2263: Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025
This bill, known as the Telehealth Coverage Act of 2025, aims to make several provisions regarding telehealth services under the Medicare program permanent and to enhance telehealth access for Medicare beneficiaries. Here is a summary of the main points:
Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities
The bill amends the Social Security Act to establish the following permanent changes related to telehealth:
- Expanded Access: It allows for telehealth services to be provided beyond the previously set expiration date of March 31, 2025.
- Eligible Practitioners: The changes broaden the types of healthcare providers who are allowed to offer telehealth services.
Telehealth Services from Specific Health Facilities
The legislation extends the ability of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to provide telehealth services permanently.
Audio-Only Telehealth Services
Under the amended provisions, telehealth services utilizing only audio technology will continue to be covered permanently, providing easier access for beneficiaries who may not have video technology.
In-Person Requirement Eliminations
The bill eliminates certain in-person visit requirements for specific telehealth services such as:
- Home dialysis monthly visits.
- Stroke telehealth services.
- Mental health and substance use disorder services.
Telehealth and Hospice Care
It allows telehealth to be used for face-to-face encounters prior to hospice care recertification and ensures claims for such telehealth interactions include specified modifiers beginning January 1, 2026.
Modifiers for Claims
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement the use of specific codes or modifiers for telehealth claims, focusing on services provided via telehealth platforms by contracted providers.
Support for Non-English Speakers
The legislation mandates the development of guidance on best practices for providing telehealth services to individuals with limited English proficiency, including:
- Incorporating interpreters during appointments.
- Facilitating access to telecommunications.
- Providing patient communications in multiple languages.
In-Home Rehabilitation Services
The bill allows in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services to be provided through telehealth, including using audio and video real-time communications technology.
Diabetes Prevention Program Changes
It revises regulations to allow entities to offer online diabetes prevention services through telehealth starting January 1, 2026, broadening access to these services.
Education on Medication-Induced Disorders
The bill requires outreach and education for healthcare providers on monitoring and screening for movement disorders caused by medications, particularly in patients with mental health issues.
Program Implementation Authority
The Secretary of Health and Human Services is granted authority to implement these amendments through program instruction or other means as necessary.
Relevant Companies
- SWY - Companies involved in telehealth platforms could be impacted as the demand for telehealth services increases.
- AMZN - Amazon and its health services may benefit from increased telehealth usage.
- MDGL - Telehealth-related healthcare providers could experience changes in operational procedures and service delivery.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
1 sponsor
Actions
3 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 21, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Mar. 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. |
| Feb. 25, 2025 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H775) |
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