H.R.1899 - Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1899, the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025, proposes amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow for audio-only telehealth services. This bill aims to expand access to healthcare by enabling coverage and payment for telehealth services furnished via audio-only communication systems. The amendment would apply specifically during emergency periods as defined in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to broaden the scope of telehealth services covered under Medicare to include audio-only options. This would particularly benefit individuals in rural areas or those with limited access to broadband internet, who may not be able to utilize video-based telehealth services. It could also increase access for elderly or disabled individuals who find video technology challenging.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare for individuals in rural or underserved areas.
- Improved healthcare access for elderly or disabled individuals who may have difficulty using video technology.
- Greater flexibility in healthcare delivery, allowing providers to reach more patients.
- Potential cost savings for patients and the healthcare system by reducing the need for in-person visits.
- Enhanced convenience for patients, enabling them to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced quality of care compared to in-person or video telehealth visits due to the lack of visual cues.
- Increased risk of fraud and abuse due to the difficulty of verifying patient identity and service delivery via audio-only communication.
- Concerns about patient privacy and data security when using audio-only telehealth services.
- Possible limitations in the types of medical conditions that can be effectively treated via audio-only telehealth.
- Potential for exacerbating existing health disparities if audio-only telehealth is not implemented equitably.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve access to healthcare for American citizens. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill's focus on amending the Social Security Act falls under Congress's power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and social welfare programs. No specific constitutional conflicts are immediately apparent.
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).