U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) have reintroduced the Telehealth Modernization Act, a bipartisan measure designed to extend Medicare telehealth access through fiscal year 2027. The House version of the bill is being led by Congressmen Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
Senator Scott said, “Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential. We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be for patients, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country.”
Senator Schatz emphasized the importance of maintaining expanded coverage: “Telehealth has been a critical lifeline for millions of people who have come to rely on it. But we need to act now to make sure that the Medicare expansions for telehealth coverage are extended. Our bill works hand-in-hand with the CONNECT for Health Act by removing unnecessary barriers in Medicare and makes it easier for more beneficiaries to get the care they need through telehealth.”
Representative Carter highlighted both accessibility and quality: “Telehealth is a vital part of our health care system, and we must ensure that it is available to patients who need it. By extending telehealth flexibilities for patients, we are making health care more accessible, regardless of their physical location. As a pharmacist, one of my top priorities has been increasing the accessibility and quality of health care; this bill does both, in a bipartisan manner, and paves the way for more patients and providers to use 21st century technology.”
Representative Dingell noted obstacles faced by many individuals seeking care: “Telehealth services are an essential part of our healthcare system. It is a fact that having to physically travel to a doctor’s office or hospital can present a serious barrier to care for seniors, people with disabilities, and people who live in rural areas that are far from a health care provider. Telehealth worked during COVID and should be available and more widely adopted. The Telehealth Modernization Act takes us one step closer to protecting and expanding access to telehealth for Americans who depend on it.”
Key provisions made possible during the pandemic are scheduled to expire on September 30, 2025. The new legislation aims to ensure continued access—especially among seniors and rural residents—by maintaining virtual healthcare options.
The full text of the bill is available online.
