H.R. 2639 · 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, Apr 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryMedicare covers audio-only telehealth through Indian Health Service
Right now, Medicare has temporary coverage for audio-only telehealth services—basically phone calls with doctors—but only for certain situations. This bill would make that coverage permanent for services provided through the Indian Health Service, the federal agency that runs healthcare for Native American tribes. That means people could keep using phone-based telehealth visits from home indefinitely.
How it affects you
If you're a Native American or Alaska Native who gets healthcare through the Indian Health Service and uses Medicare, this makes it easier to see healthcare providers by phone without worrying the coverage will expire. You'd be able to have audio-only telehealth visits from home as an ongoing option rather than a temporary arrangement.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 3, 2025)
Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025
This bill permanently provides for Medicare coverage of audio-only, at-home telehealth services that are furnished through the Indian Health Service.
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. 2639
A BILL
Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-3) · Introduced Apr 3, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 3, 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.”