A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers has reintroduced the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act (S.1261) to expand access to telehealth services through Medicare and make many of the COVID-19-era flexibilities permanent. Without action from Congress, current telehealth waivers are set to expire on September 30, 2025.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Peter Welch (D-VT) and has already garnered support from 60 co-sponsors, demonstrating strong momentum heading into policy negotiations.

If enacted, the CONNECT for Health Act would:

• Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on Medicare telehealth services and expand originating sites to include patients’ homes;
• Permanently authorize health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
• Expand the list of eligible health care professionals who can offer telehealth under Medicare;
• Eliminate the in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
• Allow waivers of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
• Require the publication of data to evaluate telehealth use, impact on quality of care, and areas for improvement.

“Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay,” said Senator Schatz. “Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors, no matter where they live.”

“It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care,” said Senator Wicker.

“This legislation will ensure Virginians — and all Americans — can continue to access affordable health care when and where they need it,” added Senator Warner.

Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of telehealth in rural and underserved areas, saying, “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve.”

“This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge the gap in access and ensure our policies reflect the capabilities of modern technology,” said Senator Welch.

Senator Barrasso echoed the rural focus, noting, “This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to access the care they need.”

With strong bipartisan backing and continued reliance on virtual care by patients and providers alike, the CONNECT for Health Act could shape the future of telehealth delivery well beyond the pandemic.

Join the movement to protect and expand telehealth access. Click here to contact your members of Congress today and advocate for their support of the CONNECT for Health Act!