HYDE-SMITH HELPS REINTRODUCE TELEHEALTH MODERNIZATION ACT

HYDE-SMITH HELPS REINTRODUCE TELEHEALTH MODERNIZATION ACT

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Would Protect and Increase Telehealth Options for Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Monday joined U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in reintroducing legislation to extend telehealth access for seniors enrolled in Medicare.

The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025 (S.2709) would extend and codify telehealth services initially offered during the pandemic, which are set to expire on Sept. 30, 2025. The bipartisan and bicameral legislation would ensure patients, particularly seniors and those in rural America, continue to have access to these virtual care services.

"Mississippi was an early innovator in telehealth services, and the Telehealth Modernization Act would help ensure that Mississippians and Americans, especially seniors and those in rural areas, can keep getting the care they need, no matter where they live. By making permanent the telehealth flexibilities that proved effective during the pandemic, we are building a stronger, more accessible Medicare system," Senator Hyde-Smith said.

"Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential," said Senator Scott. "We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be for patients, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country."

Key aspects of the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025 include:

• Removing geographic and originating site restrictions to allow patients to access telehealth services from any location.
• Protecting access to telehealth for patients in rural communities by allowing audio-only telehealth services for those without internet access or smart devices.
• Expanding the use of telehealth by additional physicians and non-physician practitioners approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Ending the requirement that patients receive an in-person appointment within six months of receiving telehealth services for mental or behavioral health.
• Allowing patients to participate in virtual diabetes prevention programs as part of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model.
• Allowing patients to receive cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services at home.
• Extending the use of telehealth to meet face-to-face requirements for hospice care and home dialysis.
• Extending the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program to allow patients to receive acute-level care at home.

S.2709 is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Angus King (I-Maine). The House companion bill (H.R.5081) was introduced by U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).

Groups endorsing the legislation include the American Telemedicine Association, Consumer Technology Association, Health Innovation Alliance, Alliance for Connected Care, Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, HIMSS, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Rural Health Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, Federation of American Hospitals, American Heart Association, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Alliance for Aging Research, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Society of General Internal Medicine, and Endocrine Society.

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