Bill Summary
The "Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2025" proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to expand coverage for mental and behavioral health services delivered through telehealth. Specifically, it modifies existing provisions to ensure that both mental and behavioral health services provided via telehealth are covered under Medicare. The legislation removes certain restrictive language regarding geographic limitations and clarifies that coverage includes behavioral health services alongside traditional mental health services. The changes are intended to enhance access to necessary mental health care through telehealth, particularly in underserved areas. The amendments will take effect as if they were part of prior legislation from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
Possible Impacts
The "Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2025" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Increased Access to Care**: By ensuring coverage for mental and behavioral health services provided through telehealth, individuals, especially those in rural or underserved areas, may have greater access to necessary care. This could lead to more people receiving timely mental health support, reducing barriers such as transportation issues or the stigma associated with visiting a mental health facility.
2. **Insurance Coverage Expansion**: The amendment to the Social Security Act may expand the types of mental and behavioral health services covered under Medicare, allowing beneficiaries to utilize telehealth services without the worry of out-of-pocket costs. This could encourage more seniors and individuals with disabilities to seek mental health treatment, potentially improving overall mental health outcomes in these populations.
3. **Flexibility and Convenience**: Telehealth services can offer greater flexibility for individuals who may struggle to attend in-person appointments due to work, family obligations, or mobility issues. This convenience can lead to increased participation in mental health programs and ongoing therapy sessions, fostering better management of mental health conditions over time.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3884 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3884
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of
mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 10, 2025
Ms. Matsui (for herself and Mr. Balderson) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and
in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of
mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Telemental Health Care Access Act of
2025''.
SEC. 2. ENSURING COVERAGE FOR MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
FURNISHED THROUGH TELEHEALTH.
(a) In General.--Section 1834(m)(7) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m(m)(7)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``mental health services'' and all that
follows through ``The geographic'' and inserting ``mental and
behavioral health services furnished through telehealth.--The
geographic'';
(2) by striking ``subject to subparagraph (B),'';
(3) by inserting ``, or for the provision of behavioral
health services'' after ``or treatment of a mental health
disorder''; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (B).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect as if included in the enactment of section 123 of division
CC of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260).
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