Bill · H.R. 2639· House(119-HR-2639)
Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 4/3/2025 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- Teresa Leger Fernandez
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025'', aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The purpose is to make certain Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent for services provided by Indian health programs. It specifically addresses how the term 'originating site' is defined for these programs. Additionally, it establishes rules for coverage and payment of telehealth services provided via audio-only communication systems. These changes apply to services furnished on or after April 1, 2025.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill specifically targets improving healthcare access for Indian health programs and urban Indian organizations.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+8
It improves healthcare access by allowing telehealth services to be conducted from any location, including the home, and permitting audio-only services.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+7
The bill expands Medicare coverage and payment flexibility for telehealth services within Indian health programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded definition of 'originating site': Under Section 2, the term 'originating site' for services furnished by an Indian health program or an urban Indian organization would include any site in the United States where the individual is located, including their home. This allows for more flexible locations for receiving telehealth services.
-
Coverage for audio-only services: Section 2 adds a rule requiring the Secretary to provide coverage and payment for telehealth services furnished via an audio-only communications system by an Indian health program, an urban Indian organization, or a practitioner employed by or under contract with such an organization.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts identified: The provided text does not contain any specific provisions that describe negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Seniors+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Increases Medicare Funding+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7
- 8/12/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/3/2025
- 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.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Yassamin AnsariDemocrat · Arizona
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Raul RuizDemocrat · California
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Norma TorresDemocrat · California