Bill · H.R. 7444· House(119-HR-7444)
Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act
- Introduced
- 2/9/2026
- Last activity
- 2/9/2026 — 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
- Chris Pappas
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act aims to protect and expand access to telehealth services under the Medicare program. It removes geographic requirements for originating sites and allows patients to receive telehealth services in their homes starting January 1, 2027. The bill provides new payment flexibilities for critical access hospitals, Federally qualified health centers, and rural health clinics. Additionally, it allows certain services to be provided using audio-only technology.
Yes· 3 of 26
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+10
Directly benefits Medicare beneficiaries, who are predominantly seniors, by increasing healthcare access.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+10
Specifically designed to eliminate geographic barriers and support rural health clinics and hospitals.
Would retired people be better off under this?+10
Directly improves the accessibility of Medicare-funded healthcare for retirees.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
Expanding Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services likely increases federal spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
Increasing the number of eligible telehealth sites and services increases Medicare expenditures.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
The bill increases spending without providing a specified funding source.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Access to Care: Starting January 1, 2027, geographic requirements for originating sites are eliminated, and the home of an individual is recognized as a location where telehealth can be furnished (Section 2).
-
Better Support for Rural Hospitals: Critical access hospitals can be paid for telehealth services provided to patients even if the hospital is not at the same location as the beneficiary, provided it complements a plan of care with in-person care (Section 3).
-
Expanded Options for Low-Income and Rural Patients: Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics have their telehealth flexibilities extended on or after January 1, 2027 (Section 4).
-
Accessibility for Those Without High-Speed Internet: The bill allows certain services, such as behavioral health counseling and evaluation and management services, to be provided via audio-only technology starting January 1, 2027 (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Requirement for Established Relationships: Starting January 1, 2027, payment for telehealth services provided by Federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics is only available if the provider has an established patient relationship with the individual as defined by the State (Section 4).
-
Clinical Restrictions on Audio-Only Care: The Secretary has the authority to determine if audio-only technology is clinically appropriate and may require an in-person initial visit before such services can be used (Section 5).
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 Retirees+10Good For Rural Residents+10Good For Seniors+10Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Farmers+7Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For African Americans+3Good For High Income Households+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For White Americans+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+9Increases Medicare Funding+8Improves Mental Health Access+7Improves Opioid Crisis Response+3Improves Pandemic Preparedness+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Social Security+5Improves Poverty Reduction+2Improves Racial Equity+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 2/9/2026
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa