WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Telehealth Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill that would extend telehealth access for Americans enrolled in Medicare through fiscal year 2027. Congressmen Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) are leading the House companion bill.

“Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential,” said Sen. Scott via press release. “We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be for patients, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country.”

“Telehealth has been a critical lifeline for millions of people who have come to rely on it. But we need to act now to make sure that the Medicare expansions for telehealth coverage are extended,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill works hand-in-hand with the CONNECT for Health Act by removing unnecessary barriers in Medicare and makes it easier for more beneficiaries to get the care they need through telehealth.”

Key telehealth provisions that were made available during the pandemic are set to expire on Sept. 30, 2025. The Telehealth Modernization Act would make sure that patients, particularly seniors and those in rural communities, continue to have access to virtual care.

The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025 would:

• Remove geographic and originating site restrictions to allow patients to access telehealth services from any location.
• Protect access to telehealth for patients in rural communities by allowing audio-only telehealth services for those without internet access or smart devices.
• Expand the use of telehealth by additional physician and non-physician practitioners approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Waive the requirement that patients be seen in person within six months of receiving telehealth services for mental or behavioral health.
• Allow patients to participate in virtual diabetes prevention programs as part of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model.
• Allow patients to receive cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services at home.
• Require HHS to share best practices for improving telehealth services for non-English speakers.
• Extend the use of telehealth to meet face-to-face requirements for hospice care and home dialysis.
• Extend the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program to allow patients to receive acute level care at home.