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CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum to Expand Telehealth Access

Published in VGM Government Relations on August 25, 2025

CMS’ proposed rule (and subsequently the return of the competitive bidding program) have rightfully taken over center stage as far as priorities for the HME industry. However, we are still tracking several other pieces of legislation that would impact providers. First of those is the CONNECT for Health Act.

On April 2, 2025, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY).  

S.1261, formally titled CONNECT for Health Act of 2025, has gained four more cosponsors, bringing the total to 64 cosponsors to date.  

H.R. 4206, the Health Act’s bipartisan companion bill in the House, was introduced on June 26 by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and was originally cosponsored by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Rep. Troy Baldserson (R-OH). It has since gained 14 additional co-sponsors, bringing its number to 18.

First introduced in 2016, the CONNECT for Health Act remains the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress. Several provisions of the bill have since been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis. 

The 119th Congress version of the CONNECT for Health Act would build on this progress, including new and revised provisions designed to expand access to telehealth. Specifically, the legislation would:  

  • Permanently define originating sites as the location of the patient. 
  • Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services. 
  • Expand eligibility for healthcare professionals to use telehealth services. 
  • Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirements for telemental health services. 
  • Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies. 
  • Require more published data to understand how telehealth is being used, its impact on quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and healthcare providers. 

As these bills move through committees, VGM is committed to working with our Champions in Washington, D.C., to obtain additional cosponsors and get this important legislation passed into law.  

We will continue to report any new developments as they arise.  

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