H.R. 1899 · 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 6, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows Medicare to cover audio-only telehealth visits
Right now, Medicare has some temporary permissions for audio-only telehealth (phone calls with doctors), but those permissions can expire. This bill would make it permanent. It would let Medicare pay for audio-only visits for two main types of care: evaluation and management services (like check-ups) and behavioral health services (like therapy or counseling).
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare and prefer phone visits over video appointments, this change could matter to you. It means doctors and mental health providers could reliably offer audio-only telehealth without worrying the coverage will disappear, making it easier to get care by phone if that's what works best for your situation.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 6, 2025)
Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025
This bill permanently allows for Medicare coverage of audio-only telehealth services for evaluation and management and behavioral health services.
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. 1899
A BILL
Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4) · Introduced Mar 6, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 6, 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.”