Bill 117 HR 8491, also known as the Telehealth Expansion Act, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to broaden the range of healthcare providers who are eligible to provide telehealth services. The bill seeks to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries by allowing a wider variety of practitioners to offer these services.
Currently, Medicare only covers telehealth services provided by certain healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurse practitioners. However, this bill would expand the list of eligible practitioners to include additional providers, such as clinical social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
By allowing more types of healthcare professionals to offer telehealth services, the Telehealth Expansion Act aims to improve access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. This could help to address disparities in healthcare access and ensure that more individuals can receive the care they need, regardless of their location.
Overall, the bill seeks to modernize Medicare's telehealth coverage and make it easier for beneficiaries to access care remotely. It is a step towards leveraging technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals across the country.