WASHINGTON – Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced bills to extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries through fiscal year 2027.
On Sept. 2, Reps. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-Ga., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025 in the House of Representatives. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on Sept. 8 by Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. Without legislative action, the current telehealth flexibilities are set to expire Sept. 30.
Rep. Carter emphasized the importance of preserving these services:
“Telehealth is a vital part of our health care system, and we must ensure that it is available to patients who need it. By extending telehealth flexibilities, we are making health care more accessible, regardless of location. As a pharmacist, one of my top priorities has been increasing the accessibility and quality of health care; this bill does both in a bipartisan way and paves the way for more patients and providers to use 21st century technology.”
Sen. Scott echoed that sentiment, pointing to lessons learned during the pandemic:
“Improving access to high-quality health care for Americans is essential. We saw during the pandemic how effective telehealth can be, and the Telehealth Modernization Act will ensure these services remain available for those who depend on them. By modernizing our telehealth laws, we can reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for patients across South Carolina and the country.”
