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Rural Telehealth Expansion Act

12/21/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 197

The Rural Telehealth Expansion Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 197, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to expand access to telehealth services in rural areas across the country.

The bill aims to address the lack of healthcare resources in rural communities by increasing funding for telehealth programs. Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care remotely, using technology such as video conferencing and remote monitoring devices. This is especially important in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities may be limited.

If passed, the Rural Telehealth Expansion Act would provide grants to healthcare providers in rural areas to help them implement telehealth services. This funding would be used to purchase necessary equipment, train staff, and improve infrastructure to support telehealth programs. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that telehealth services are accessible to all patients, regardless of their location or income level. This includes expanding reimbursement for telehealth services through Medicare and Medicaid, as well as increasing access to broadband internet in rural areas to support telehealth technology. Overall, the Rural Telehealth Expansion Act aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for residents of rural communities by expanding telehealth services. This bill has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals living in underserved rural areas across the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 197

Rural Telehealth Expansion Act

This bill expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare to include store-and-forward technologies (in which information is sent to providers and reviewed at a later time, rather than through a real-time interaction). Currently, coverage is limited to federal demonstration programs in Alaska and Hawaii.

Current Status of Bill HR 197

Bill HR 197 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 197 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023.  Bill HR 197's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 197

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 197

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Computers and information technology
- Health care coverage and access
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Medicare
- Rural conditions and development

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 197

Rural Telehealth Expansion Act
Rural Telehealth Expansion Act
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include store-and-forward technologies as telecommunications systems through which telehealth services may be furnished for payment under the Medicare program.

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