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Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

12/31/2022, 5:36 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5425

Bill 117 HR 5425, also known as the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to telehealth services for individuals living in rural areas.

The bill proposes several key provisions to achieve this goal. Firstly, it seeks to expand the types of healthcare providers who are eligible to provide telehealth services in rural areas. This would allow more individuals to receive care remotely, without having to travel long distances to see a healthcare provider in person.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase funding for telehealth infrastructure in rural areas. This would help to ensure that individuals in these areas have access to the necessary technology and resources to participate in telehealth appointments. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve reimbursement rates for telehealth services in rural areas. By increasing reimbursement rates, healthcare providers would be more incentivized to offer telehealth services to individuals in rural communities. Overall, the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act is designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living in rural areas when it comes to accessing healthcare services. By expanding access to telehealth services and improving reimbursement rates, this bill has the potential to greatly improve healthcare outcomes for individuals in rural communities.

Congressional Summary of HR 5425

Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare.

Specifically, the bill permanently (1) removes geographic restrictions on originating sites (i.e., the location of the beneficiary), (2) allows the home of the beneficiary to serve as the originating site for all services, (3) allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner), and (4) expands coverage to include audio-only services for evaluation and management and behavioral health services.

Current Status of Bill HR 5425

Bill HR 5425 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 29, 2021. Bill HR 5425 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on September 29, 2021.  Bill HR 5425's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of September 30, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5425

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
12
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
10
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5425

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Health care coverage and access
- Health facilities and institutions
- Health information and medical records
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Home and outpatient care
- Internet and video services
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Medicare
- Mental health
- Rural conditions and development
- Sound recording

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5425

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program.
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

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