To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program.

House Bill

H.R. 6296

119th Congress

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 25, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Debbie Dingell

Representative

Democratic

MI-6

Cosponsors

5

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Health

Summary

This bill aims to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving a wider range of healthcare services through remote video or audio-only technology, making it easier for them to access care without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill aims to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving a wider range of healthcare services through remote video or audio-only technology, making it easier for them to access care without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

HCBS Relief Act of 2023 This bill temporarily increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) under Medicaid for certain approved home- and community-based services that are provided during FY2024-FY2025. As a condition for receiving the increased rate, a state must agree to undertake activities to improve the delivery of such services, such as by providing additional benefits to home health workers and by helping individuals who were relocated to nursing facilities move back to their homes.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Expands access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries, allowing them to receive a broader range of care remotely on a permanent basis
Eliminates previous requirements for in-person visits for certain services like home dialysis, stroke treatment, and mental health and substance abuse treatment
Allows Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to continue providing telehealth services to Medicare patients beyond the COVID-19 emergency period

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would significantly improve access to healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries, especially those living in rural or underserved areas. It would make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to receive necessary care without having to travel long distances or risk exposure to illnesses. This could lead to better health outcomes and reduced barriers to care for millions of Medicare patients across the country.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Health

Related Subjects

Allied health services

Community life and organization

Employee hiring

Employee leave

Foreign language and bilingual programs

Government studies and investigations

Health facilities and institutions

Health personnel

Health promotion and preventive care

Health technology, devices, supplies

+7 more

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

6296, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-6296