01 — The Text
What.
- Medicare and Medicaid will test remote specialty care networks in rural areas using telehealth technology.
- Networks must include at least 50 rural clinics, federally qualified health centers, or critical access hospitals.
- At least half of providers in each network must be located in rural areas.
- Specialists deliver care remotely while coordinating with patients' primary care doctors.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Rural Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients gain access to specialists without traveling hours to cities.
- Rural health providers get support offering specialty services they currently lack capacity to deliver locally.
- Urban specialists can serve more patients across wider regions without geographic barriers.
- Reduces healthcare disparities between rural and urban areas, though bill doesn't address provider payment rates.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced in Senate on April 2 and referred to Finance Committee—early stage with minimal co-sponsors.
- Next step: Committee must vote to advance it; passage unlikely without broader support.
- Contact your senator to support or oppose; ask if they'll co-sponsor or push committee action.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Apr 2, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Apr 2, 2025 — Introduced in Senate