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Bill

HR 1899

Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Randy Feenstra and 1 co-sponsor

The Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act allows Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for audio-only consultations, improving healthcare access for underserved patients.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1899

Summary of HR 1899: Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025 aims to expand access to healthcare services by allowing audio-only telehealth consultations. This legislation recognizes the importance of telehealth in providing medical care, especially for individuals who may not have access to video technology or reliable internet connections. The bill seeks to ensure that patients can receive necessary healthcare services through audio-only means, thereby improving healthcare accessibility and equity.

Key Provisions

  • Audio-Only Telehealth Services: The bill mandates that healthcare providers can offer audio-only telehealth services and that these services will be reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Reimbursement Policies: It establishes guidelines for reimbursement rates for audio-only consultations, ensuring that providers are compensated fairly for their services.
  • Patient Eligibility: The legislation outlines criteria for patient eligibility to receive audio-only telehealth services, focusing on those who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare.
  • Privacy and Security: Provisions are included to ensure that patient privacy and data security are maintained during audio-only consultations.

Impact

  • Patients: The bill is expected to benefit a wide range of patients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities who may struggle with video technology.
  • Healthcare Providers: Providers will have the flexibility to offer audio-only services, potentially increasing their patient base and improving care delivery.
  • Healthcare System: By facilitating easier access to healthcare, the bill aims to reduce the burden on emergency services and improve overall public health outcomes.

Legislative Process

  • Introduced: The bill was introduced in the House on March 6, 2025.
  • Committee Review: It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration. The timeline for these reviews will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Randy Feenstra
  • Cosponsor: Chris Pappas

This legislation represents a significant step towards modernizing healthcare delivery and ensuring that all patients have access to necessary medical consultations, regardless of their technological capabilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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