Audio-Only Telehealth for Emergencies Act

The Audio-Only Telehealth for Emergencies Act would require Medicare to cover and pay for healthcare services conducted over the phone during national emergencies. Under this bill, healthcare providers would be reimbursed for these audio-only consultations at the same rate as traditional in-person visits. This measure is intended to ensure that patients who lack reliable high-speed internet or video-capable devices can still access medical care when in-person travel is restricted or unsafe. Since its introduction in June 2021, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further review.