H.R. 2639: Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025
This bill, known as the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025, aims to amend the Social Security Act to make certain telehealth provisions permanent for Indian health programs. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities
The bill seeks to make permanent specific flexibilities regarding telehealth services for eligible individuals under the Medicare program when these services are provided by:
- Indian health programs
- Urban Indian organizations
- Contracted or employed physicians and practitioners of such programs
Definition of "Originating Site"
It modifies the definition of the term "originating site" to allow telehealth services to be delivered from any location in the U.S. where the eligible individual is located at the time of the service. This includes the individual's home.
Audio-Only Services
The bill also mandates that coverage and payment for certain telehealth services will include those delivered via audio-only communication systems, which broadens access to medical services for individuals who may not have access to video technology.
Implementation Date
These provisions would take effect for services rendered on or after April 1, 2025, ensuring a transitional period for the implementation of these changes.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
With these amendments, the intention is to enhance access to healthcare services for tribal communities, thereby addressing potential gaps in care and ensuring that individuals can receive necessary medical attention regardless of their physical location.
Relevant Companies
- CERN: Cerner Corporation could be directly impacted as they provide electronic health records and telehealth solutions, which may see increased demand from Indian health programs.
- MRK: Merck & Co. may be influenced as they engage in the delivery of pharmaceuticals and healthcare services, potentially increasing their focus on telehealth strategies tailored for tribal populations.
- AMGN: Amgen, a biopharmaceutical company, might experience shifts in service provision strategies relating to telehealth initiatives in Indian health programs.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
8 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Apr. 03, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Apr. 03, 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. |
Corporate Lobbying
0 companies lobbying
None found.
* Note that there can be significant delays in lobbying disclosures, and our data may be incomplete.
