01 — The Text
What.
- Requires Medicare/Medicaid to test remote specialty care networks in rural areas using telehealth technology.
- Must select at least one nonprofit network with 50+ federally qualified health centers, rural clinics, or critical access hospitals.
- At least half of providers must be located in rural areas; specialists coordinate with patients' primary care doctors.
- Tests whether digital methods can deliver specialty care that rural residents currently struggle to access.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Rural Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries gain remote access to specialists they often can't reach locally.
- Rural health providers (nonprofits, clinics, critical access hospitals) get funding and infrastructure support to participate.
- Urban-based specialists expand patient reach without relocating; telehealth companies gain pilot program contracts.
- Success depends on whether coordinated remote care actually improves outcomes versus traditional in-person specialty visits.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced April 1, 2025; referred to Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees. Awaiting committee hearings and markup.
- If approved by committees, House votes next; Senate passage required before reaching President's desk.
- Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your House rep to request committee testimony/support.
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