To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program.

This bill expands who can provide telehealth under Medicare. It makes it clear in the law that more types of licensed providers are included, not just doctors and a few others. In plain terms, it permanently allows audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to deliver care by video or phone to Medicare patients. The bill updates the Medicare law to say that eligible telehealth practitioners “shall include” these providers, broadening who can furnish services remotely.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Medicare patients and providers like audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
• What changes: These providers are expressly allowed to offer telehealth services under Medicare by being included in the list of eligible telehealth practitioners.
• When: The allowance is permanent for these providers.

What it means day to day: More seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare can get therapy and hearing/speech care from home, which can save time, reduce travel, and keep care going when in-person visits are hard to arrange.