H.R.1614 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1614 aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, expanding the types of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services under Medicare. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 26, 2025, and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. The amendment modifies Section 1834(m)(4)(E) of the Social Security Act to broaden the definition of eligible telehealth practitioners.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries. By expanding the types of practitioners who can provide these services, more patients, especially those in rural or underserved areas, could receive remote medical care. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Access to Care: Expands access to healthcare services, particularly for individuals in rural or underserved areas.
- Convenience: Offers more convenient healthcare options for patients, reducing the need for travel and time off work.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Enables earlier diagnosis and treatment through timely access to healthcare professionals.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Telehealth can be more cost-effective than traditional in-person visits.
- Modernization of Medicare: Updates Medicare to reflect the growing role of telehealth in healthcare delivery.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Fraud and Abuse: Expanded access could increase the risk of fraudulent billing practices.
- Technical Barriers: Some patients, especially older adults, may face challenges using telehealth technology.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Increased reliance on telehealth raises concerns about the security and privacy of patient data.
- Reimbursement Issues: Ensuring fair reimbursement rates for telehealth services is crucial to its sustainability.
- Quality of Care Concerns: Maintaining the quality of care in a remote setting can be challenging.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the spirit of promoting the general welfare, as mentioned in the Preamble of the US Constitution. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to healthcare under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as healthcare significantly impacts interstate commerce. The expansion of telehealth services could be seen as a reasonable measure to improve healthcare access for Medicare beneficiaries.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).