U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) have reintroduced the Telehealth Modernization Act, a bipartisan measure designed to extend telehealth access for Medicare recipients through fiscal year 2027. The House companion bill is being led by Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
“Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential,” said Sen. 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.”
Senator Schatz emphasized the importance of maintaining expanded telehealth coverage: “Telehealth has been a critical lifeline for millions of people who have come to rely on it. But we need to act now to make sure that the Medicare expansions for telehealth coverage are extended,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill works hand-in-hand with the CONNECT for Health Act by removing unnecessary barriers in Medicare and makes it easier for more beneficiaries to get the care they need through telehealth.”
Representative Carter noted his experience as a pharmacist in highlighting the value of accessible healthcare: “Telehealth is a vital part of our health care system, and we must ensure that it is available to patients who need it. By extending telehealth flexibilities for patients, we are making health care more accessible, regardless of their physical location. As a pharmacist, one of my top priorities has been increasing the accessibility and quality of health care; this bill does both, in a bipartisan manner, and paves the way for more patients and providers to use 21st century technology,” said Rep. Carter.
Rep. Dingell pointed out that travel requirements can be an obstacle: “Telehealth services are an essential part of our healthcare system. It is a fact that having to physically travel to a doctor’s office or hospital can present a serious barrier to care for seniors, people with disabilities, and people who live in rural areas that are far from a health care provider. Telehealth worked during COVID and should be available and more widely adopted. The Telehealth Modernization Act takes us one step closer to protecting and expanding access to telehealth for Americans who depend on it.”
Provisions that allowed broader use of telehealth during the pandemic are scheduled to expire on September 30, 2025. The new legislation aims to maintain virtual healthcare options beyond this date so that seniors and residents in rural areas do not lose access.
The full text of the bill is available online.
