What does Preamble of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This bill aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The stated purpose is to protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act.

What does ELIMINATION OF RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO TELEHEALTH SERVICES. of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to modify restrictions related to telehealth services. It eliminates geographic requirements for originating sites for telehealth services furnished on or after January 1, 2027. It removes restrictions on furnishing telehealth services in an individual's home, initially allowing it from the date of enactment through December 31, 2026, and permanently from January 1, 2027. It removes a reference to Federal telemedicine demonstration programs in Alaska and Hawaii concerning store-and-forward technologies.

What does TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES FOR CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS. of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This section amends Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act to expand telehealth flexibilities for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). It allows the Secretary to pay CAHs for telehealth services furnished to eligible telehealth individuals, even if the hospital and beneficiary are not at the same location, provided the services complement a plan of care with in-person visits. A 'qualified provider' is defined as a CAH with an established patient relationship with the individual, as defined by the state where the individual is located. Payment to a CAH serving as a distant site for telehealth services will be 101% of the reasonable costs, unless the hospital opts for a different payment methodology. The definition of 'telehealth services' includes behavioral health services and other outpatient CAH services furnished via telehealth, based on payment codes identified by the Secretary. The Secretary has the authority to implement these changes through program instructions or interim final rules.

What does EXTENDING MEDICARE TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES FOR FEDERALLY of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This section amends Section 1834(m)(8) of the Social Security Act, as modified by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Telehealth services provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to eligible telehealth individuals will be eligible for reimbursement through December 31, 2024, and on or after January 1, 2027. The Secretary is required to establish a methodology for determining telehealth payment rates, considering geography, associated costs, and the full cost of providing services via telehealth. The Secretary must establish a coding system for telehealth services reflective of services provided at FQHCs and RHCs. Beginning January 1, 2027, payment for telehealth services will only be made to qualified providers, defined as FQHCs or RHCs with an established patient relationship with the individual. The Secretary can implement this subparagraph through program instruction, interim final rule, or other means.

What does ALLOWANCE OF CERTAIN TELEHEALTH SERVICES FURNISHED USING AUDIO- of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This section amends Section 1834(m)(4) of the Social Security Act to allow for the furnishing of certain telehealth services using audio-only technology. Starting January 1, 2027, a 'telecommunications system' will include audio-only technology for 'specified telehealth services'. A 'specified telehealth service' includes evaluation and management services, behavioral health counseling, and other services deemed appropriate by the Secretary. A 'qualified provider' can be a physician with an established patient relationship or certain healthcare facilities like hospitals, rural health clinics, and Federally qualified health centers. The Secretary has the authority to determine the clinical appropriateness of audio-only telehealth and whether an in-person visit is required. Within five years of enactment, the Secretary must review the use of audio-only telehealth, considering broadband rollout and access needs. The Secretary may add or delete services eligible for audio-only telehealth based on the review. Payment for services furnished via audio-only technology will be equal to the payment for the same service furnished through other authorized telecommunications systems.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE PRACTITIONERS of Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the expansion of eligible practitioners who may furnish telehealth services. Congress believes this expansion, currently related to an emergency period, should be made permanent. The definition of 'eligible practitioners' is referenced in section 1834(m)(4)(F) of the Social Security Act. The emergency period is described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act.

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Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

Last updated: 2/9/2026 · Introduced: 2/9/2026

Author: Chris Pappas (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill eliminates geographic restrictions for Medicare telehealth services starting January 1, 2027, and allows telehealth services to be provided in patients' homes permanently from that date.
The bill expands telehealth flexibilities for Critical Access Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers, enabling them to provide and receive reimbursement for telehealth services, including behavioral health, under certain conditions.
Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare will allow certain telehealth services to be furnished using audio-only technology, with the Secretary determining clinical appropriateness and reviewing its use over five years.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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