Permanent Telehealth from Home Act
Permanent Telehealth from Home Act
Plain Language Summary
# Permanent Telehealth from Home Act (HR 1407) – Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would permanently allow Medicare patients to receive telehealth services (remote medical visits via video or phone) from their homes or any location of their choice. Currently, Medicare has temporary rules that restrict where patients can be located when using telehealth services.
This bill would make it permanent for patients to use telehealth from home, rather than having to travel to a doctor's office or hospital. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (seniors age 65+ and some younger people with disabilities), healthcare providers who offer telehealth services, and Medicare itself as the insurance program covering these services. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken beyond its initial introduction.
CRS Official Summary
Permanent Telehealth from Home ActThis bill permanently allows any site to serve as an originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) for purposes of Medicare telehealth services, including a beneficiary's home.
Latest Action
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.