AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 24, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 15, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a model delivering specialty healthcare remotely to rural beneficiaries in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs.
- CMMI must select at least one provider network that is a nonprofit entity with at least 50 federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, or rural emergency hospitals.
- At least half of the providers in selected networks must be located in rural areas.
- Providers must use digital methods such as telehealth technology to furnish specialty care.
- Providers must coordinate with beneficiaries' primary care providers when delivering specialty care.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The documented effect is establishment of a test model; the official summary does not quantify expected beneficiaries served, cost savings, access improvements, or other outcomes.
- The bill does not specify the duration of the test, success metrics, or conditions for model expansion or termination.
- The requirement that at least half of providers be rural-located is specified; broader impact on rural healthcare access is not documented in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Introduced in House on April 1, 2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means on April 1, 2025
- No further action recorded as of the provided information
Legislative History
Actions.
- Apr 1, 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.
- Apr 1, 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.
- Apr 1, 2025 — Introduced in House
- Apr 1, 2025 — Introduced in House