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Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

12/20/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 3440

Bill 118 HR 3440, also known as the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to telehealth services in rural areas across the country.

The bill specifically focuses on addressing the challenges that rural communities face in accessing telehealth services, such as limited internet connectivity and lack of healthcare providers. It aims to expand telehealth services in these areas by providing funding for infrastructure improvements, increasing reimbursement rates for telehealth services, and promoting telehealth training for healthcare providers.

Additionally, the bill seeks to ensure that telehealth services are accessible and affordable for all individuals, regardless of their location or income level. It also includes provisions to protect patient privacy and data security when using telehealth services. Overall, the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access between rural and urban areas by expanding telehealth services and improving the quality of care for individuals living in rural communities.

Congressional Summary of HR 3440

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 3440

Bill HR 3440 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 17, 2023. Bill HR 3440 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 17, 2023.  Bill HR 3440's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3440

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
2
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
14
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3440

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, web applications, social media
- Medicare
- Mental health
- Rural conditions and development
- Sound recording

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3440

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

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