WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act, which would make Medicare’s coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent.
“In rural Iowa, access to dependable and affordable telehealth services is critical to the health and wellbeing of our families and seniors. When severe weather prevents road travel or broadband connectivity is unreliable, we must ensure that our families and seniors can visit with their doctors and receive care over the phone. However, at the end of March, Medicare coverage of audio-only telehealth services expires absent congressional action,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to work with my colleague from New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Pappas, to introduce legislation to permanently extend Medicare coverage of over-the-phone telehealth services so that Iowans can receive the care and advice that they need when they need it. Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to support meaningful investments in telehealth access and work to ensure that our families, farmers, and seniors – especially in our rural communities – can meet with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes and on their schedule.”
“Ensuring every community in New Hampshire has access to quality, affordable health care is a must,” said Rep. Pappas. “Making Medicare coverage of audio-only telehealth services permanent will help ensure that communities facing broadband challenges, seniors without computers, and families in rural areas can access health care services by phone or any audio service. I’m glad to partner with Congressman Feenstra on this bill to do just that. Medicare keeps our community members healthy, and I will always fight to protect and strengthen its services.”
“UnityPoint Health thanks Congressman Feenstra for introducing legislation for audio only telehealth. This legislation will help ensure our most vulnerable patients, especially those living in the rural communities of Iowa, have timely access to high quality health care in their home without having to worry about a stable Internet connection or how to work video technology,” said Patricia Newland, M.D., President of UnityPoint Clinic.
The current waiver – which is set to expire on March 31, 2025 – allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reimburse healthcare providers for patient evaluation, patient management, and behavioral health services over the phone.
Full legislative text can be found HERE.
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull)
(contributed press release)
