Bill · S. 3834· Senate(119-S-3834)
Expanded Telehealth Access Act
- Introduced
- 2/11/2026
- Last activity
- 2/11/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Daines
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Expanded Telehealth Access Act aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The primary goal is to expand the scope of practitioners who are eligible for payment for telehealth services under the Medicare program. This includes specific additions for occupational therapy assistants and physical therapist assistants. The bill also expands the definition of a "practitioner" to include various professionals. These changes would apply to services furnished on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+5
The bill increases healthcare access by allowing Medicare to pay for telehealth services provided by occupational therapy assistants, physical therapist assistants, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+4
Seniors on Medicare benefit from expanded telehealth options through various therapy assistants and specialists.
Would retired people be better off under this?+4
Retirees benefit from increased accessibility to therapeutic and specialized healthcare services via telehealth.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Payment for Assistants: The bill amends paragraph (2)(A) and paragraph (s) to allow for payments regarding occupational therapy assistants and physical therapist assistants. This expands the scope of eligible practitioners for payment under Medicare. (Section 2)
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Broader Definition of Practitioners: The bill expands the definition of "practitioner" in paragraph (4) to include qualified audiologists, qualified occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, qualified physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and qualified speech-language pathologists. (Section 2)
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Increased Provider Options: The new definition of "practitioner" includes facilities that furnish certain services through telehealth and any additional providers or suppliers specified by the Secretary who are enrolled under section 1866(j). (Section 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
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+4Good For Seniors+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Increases Medicare Funding+3
- 2/11/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota