Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act

This bill makes it easier for Medicare patients to use at‑home health devices, like blood pressure cuffs or apps that track recovery. For two years after it becomes law, Medicare would pay for remote monitoring if a patient has at least 2 days of readings in a 30‑day period. Today, many services require 16 days of data to get paid, which can be more than some patients need. During COVID, Medicare briefly allowed 2 days for people with or suspected of having the virus. This proposal extends that easier standard to everyone on Medicare for a limited time. Lawmakers note that remote monitoring can improve health and lower costs, and they cite examples where fewer than 16 days still gives doctors useful information, like tracking sleep apnea, blood pressure during therapy, or recovery after surgery .

The bill also asks federal health officials to report back within a year on how this change works in the real world. The report must include guidance on fair payment levels (which could vary based on patient needs and the length of monitoring), where the work happens, what kind of staff oversight is needed, and how much money is saved by avoiding hospital stays. Officials must consult with groups like the VA, doctors, hospitals, medical specialty groups, tech experts, patient advocates, and insurers while preparing that report. The bill defines “remote monitoring” to include both tracking body measures and using devices to check how a patient is responding to treatment .

Key points

• Who is affected: People on Medicare who use at‑home monitoring; doctors, nurses, clinics, and hospitals that bill Medicare for these services.
• What changes: For two years, Medicare would pay when there are at least 2 days of readings in 30 days, instead of the usual 16 days. This applies to all conditions, not just COVID .
• When: Starts on the date it becomes law and lasts for two years; a report to Congress is due within one year of that date.