To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.
House Bill Would Make Medicare Mental Health Telehealth Permanent, Drop In-Person Visit Rules
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would allow Medicare patients to receive mental health and substance use treatment through telehealth without needing to see a doctor in person first. Currently, rules often require patients to have an in-person visit before they can start or continue using video or phone appointments for their care.
- The policy focuses on making it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get help for depression, anxiety, or addiction from the comfort of home. This is especially helpful for people who live far from a clinic, have limited transportation, or have physical disabilities that make traveling difficult.
- It removes a specific deadline of April 1, 2025, for rural health clinics and community health centers. By getting rid of this cutoff date, these facilities can keep offering virtual mental health visits as a permanent option rather than a temporary fix.
- By making these telehealth options permanent, the bill aims to prevent a situation where patients might suddenly lose access to their therapists or doctors if they cannot make it to a physical office. It ensures that mental health support remains consistent and accessible regardless of where a patient lives.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesWhat changed in Medicare telehealth under the 2026 spending bill
Congress' new spending law extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027, delaying the in-person visit requirement for mental health services until Jan. 1, 2028. The law preserves home-based and audio-only options while a 2028 policy cliff looms for new mental health patients.
Congress clinches bipartisan health deal
Congressional leaders reached a deal on a health care package that includes a multi-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027. The agreement avoids a 'telehealth cliff' by continuing to waive in-person requirements for mental health services and supporting rural clinics.
Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through 2027
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, signed into law on Feb. 3, extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Jan. 1, 2028. This allows beneficiaries to receive mental health treatment via telehealth without a prior in-person visit, providing stability for outpatient behavioral health.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.