HB1899, titled the Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025, would amend Medicare law under title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require coverage and payment for certain telehealth services when they are furnished through an audio-only communications system. The bill specifically targets telehealth services already identified in Medicare’s telehealth list and would make them payable when delivered by phone or other audio-only means beginning on or after the first day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act.
In practical terms, the bill would extend Medicare reimbursement to patients and providers who cannot use video-based technology, helping preserve access to care for beneficiaries with limited broadband, limited device access, disabilities, or other barriers to video telehealth. It would change federal Medicare payment rules rather than create a new program, and its effect would be to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to cover and pay for qualifying audio-only telehealth services under the Medicare program.
Impact
The bill would amend section 1834(m)(9) of the Social Security Act, altering Medicare coverage and payment policy for telehealth. Its main legal effect is to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reimburse qualifying telehealth services delivered via audio-only communications, expanding the circumstances under which Medicare beneficiaries and providers can use telehealth and receive payment. The bill would primarily affect Medicare beneficiaries, physicians, clinicians, and other telehealth providers, especially those serving rural, low-income, elderly, or technologically underserved populations.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as it was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship by Representatives Feenstra and Pappas. The bill’s purpose is framed as expanding access to care, which is typically a broadly supported policy goal. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of formal opposition or amendment activity.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is whether Medicare should permanently or broadly reimburse audio-only telehealth services, since some policymakers may worry about fraud, quality of care, or whether audio-only visits should be treated the same as video visits. Another possible issue is the bill’s tie to the emergency period language in the Social Security Act, which may raise questions about when coverage begins and how long it should remain available. However, the provided materials do not include recorded objections, and no specific opponents are identified.