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Mike Thompson

07/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2025 17:24

THOMPSON, SCHWEIKERT, MATSUI, BALDERSON INTRODUCE TELEHEALTH PERMANENCE BILL

Washington - Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand telehealth access for millions of Americans on Medicare.

"Since my days in the California State Senate, I've been a big believer in telehealth's ability to save money, time, and lives," said Rep. Thompson. "Telehealth allows patients-especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can't make it to the doctor's office-to access the care they need when they need it. The CONNECT for Health Act will provide Americans on Medicare with the peace of mind that telehealth will be covered by their benefits. Proud to join Representatives Matsui, Schweikert, and Balderson to introduce this bill."

"Digital health isn't just a convenience, it's a modern necessity. It's how we make care more accessible, especially for rural and underserved communities, without blowing up the budget," said Congressman Schweikert. "By permanently removing outdated restrictions, the CONNECT for Health Act helps Medicare keep pace with the real world. This is about using technology to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and meet patients where they are."

"Telehealth is a proven tool to meet patients where they are and increase access to quality care throughout our communities," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The expansion of telehealth services has been crucial to reaching our most vulnerable patients, older Americans, and the traditionally underserved. The CONNECT for Health Act permanently removes barriers to this critical resource and keeps it accessible for Medicare beneficiaries for years to come."

"Telehealth has become a core component for how we deliver high-quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities," said Rep. Balderson. "The CONNECT for Health Act ensures Medicare keeps pace with modern medicine by removing outdated restrictions, expanding who can provide telehealth, and giving patients the flexibility to receive care from home. This legislation would be a big win for providers in rural Ohio, like our Federally Qualified Health Centers, who are the front line of care in many of the communities I represent."

"Permanently extending telehealth coverage will benefit patients and physicians far and wide, ushering in a new era of patient care. Medicare coverage of telehealth offers better access to health care not just for rural and other underserved communities; it also reduces travel time and serves as a vital tool for patients to receive seamless care with their existing physicians. We deeply appreciate Representatives Thompson, Schweikert, Balderson, and Matsui for their leadership," said American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 would permanently expand access to telehealth services-ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive essential care.

  • Telehealth utilization surged in 2020 when CMS waived many statutory restrictions on telehealth to ensure continued access to health care during the public health emergency.
  • Recent reports find that older adults and individuals from underserved communities benefited the most from expanded telehealth access.
  • Since 2021, Medicare beneficiaries' telehealth utilization has stabilized at 15 percent, while overall health care use is level, indicating that telehealth often substitutes in-person care.
  • With telehealth flexibilities set to expire in September 2025, beneficiaries will lose access to care due to statutory restrictions, including requirements that only permit beneficiaries to receive telehealth services if they are in rural areas and at certain clinical sites.
  • Permanent changes to Medicare's coverage of telehealth services are critical in order to protect access to care and fully integrate telehealth into care delivery.

The full bill text can be found here.

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