Medicare currently limits which types of healthcare providers can bill for telehealth visits, leaving out several professions that patients regularly see. This bill would open telehealth reimbursement to audiologists, occupational therapists and their assistants, physical therapists and their assistants, and speech-language pathologists — as well as certain outpatient facilities. It also gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the ability to add more provider types in the future. For patients in rural or underserved areas who rely on these services, it could mean fewer trips and easier access to care.
Congressional Summary
Expanded Telehealth Access ActThis bill expands the types of health care practitioners who may provide telehealth services under Medicare.Specifically, the bill permanently allows audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other providers designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide telehealth services under Medicare. It also specifically allows occupational therapy assistants and physical therapist assistants to provide such services.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-02-11
- Date Added
- 2026-03-30