H.R. 1867 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent 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, Mar 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryRemoves in-person visit requirements for mental health telehealth
This bill changes Medicare's rules for mental health services delivered through phone or video. Instead of requiring patients to have an in-person visit first before they can use telehealth, Medicare would allow mental health services to be provided entirely through remote technology without that initial face-to-face appointment.
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare and need mental health care, you could start treatment with a therapist or psychiatrist over the phone or video without having to go to an office first. This makes it easier to access care, especially if you live far from mental health providers or have difficulty traveling.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 5, 2025)
This bill permanently removes in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services under Medicare.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1867
A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK-1) · Introduced Mar 5, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 5, 2025: “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.”