Sponsors (18)
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The bill expands specialty telehealth through nonprofit rural networks and builds in data-driven evaluation to improve access in underserved areas, but its nonprofit/network restrictions and dependence on broadband and specific program rules risk leaving some communities and local providers out and may slow implementation.
Medicare and Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries in rural and underserved areas can receive specialty care remotely, reducing travel burdens and improving access to specialists.
Community-based nonprofit networks (FQHCs, rural clinics, critical access and rural emergency hospitals) can coordinate with primary care to integrate specialty telehealth into local care, strengthening local care capacity and supporting sustained services in underserved regions.
The model requires data collection and evaluation, which can improve quality measurement and generate evidence to inform wider policy and potential scale-up if the model is successful.
Beneficiaries in areas lacking broadband or sufficient local network capacity may be unable to use telehealth services, leaving connectivity gaps that limit the program's reach in the places that need it most.
Restricting participation to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and large multi-entity networks may exclude smaller or for-profit local providers, reducing local provider participation and competition in some communities.
Tying funds to PHS program requirements and mandating that a substantial share of participants be rural/multi-region could constrain funding flexibility and delay implementation where qualifying networks do not already exist.
Creates a new testing model at the HHS innovation center to expand access to specialty care for people in rural and underserved areas by supporting nonprofit provider networks that deliver specialty services through digital means (for example, telehealth) in coordination with primary care. The model will enroll eligible Medicare (Part A or B) and Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries and require participating networks to meet specific size, structure, geographic, and data-capability criteria. The legislation sets selection criteria (at least 50 participating entities drawn from federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, or rural emergency hospitals, with at least half in rural areas) and requires the networks to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with experience serving rural and underserved communities. Implementation funds are subject to requirements that apply to federal health center program funds under the Public Health Service Act.
Introduced April 1, 2025 by Jodey Cook Arrington · Last progress April 1, 2025