Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024

1/31/2024, 12:15 PM

Summary of Bill S 3651

Bill 118 s 3651, also known as the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to mental health care services through the use of telecommunication technologies.

If passed, this bill would require health insurance companies to cover mental health services provided through telehealth platforms in the same way they cover in-person services. This would make it easier for individuals to receive mental health care from the comfort of their own homes, especially in rural or underserved areas where access to mental health professionals may be limited.

Additionally, the bill would establish guidelines for the use of telehealth in mental health care, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care that meets certain standards. It would also provide funding for training mental health professionals in the use of telehealth technologies, further expanding access to care. Overall, the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024 aims to address the growing need for mental health services in the United States by leveraging technology to make care more accessible and convenient for all individuals.

Congressional Summary of S 3651

Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024

This bill eliminates certain restrictions relating to Medicare coverage of mental health services that are provided through telehealth.

Current law allows for coverage of such services regardless of the geographic location of the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary), as long as the beneficiary previously received in-person services and continues to receive in-person services at specified intervals (effective January 1, 2025). The bill eliminates these in-person requirements.

Current Status of Bill S 3651

Bill S 3651 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2024. Bill S 3651 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on January 24, 2024.  Bill S 3651's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of January 24, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3651

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3651

Primary Policy Focus


Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3651

Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of mental health services furnished through telehealth.
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