Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
Rep. Pappas and Rep. Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Medicare Telehealth Permanent
The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to two House committees for review and is waiting for further action. The bill is considered active as it moves through these initial committee assignments.
Legislative Progress
Telehealth is very popular with voters and has support from both parties, but concerns about Medicare spending and fraud could slow it down.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small rural health clinics and independent medical practices that serve Medicare patients would benefit from new permanent payment structures for telehealth. Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics get a dedicated telehealth payment methodology that considers their unique costs and geography, giving them more financial stability to invest in virtual care.
Programs
Disabilities
State Impacts
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
4 articles
Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Coverage For Two Years
President Trump signed a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth services through 2027, providing temporary relief for seniors and rural providers. However, the move stops short of the permanent access sought by advocates through legislation like the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act.
What changed in Medicare telehealth under the 2026 spending bill
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 extends key Medicare telehealth waivers for home-based and audio-only care through December 31, 2027. While the law provides stability for primary care practices, it does not make the rules permanent, leaving a 'policy cliff' for 2028.
The health cuts that weren't.
A compromise government funding package includes a one-year extension of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries. Industry groups continue to lobby for a permanent extension to ensure long-term access to virtual care, particularly for those in rural and underserved areas.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.