# What This Bill Does

This bill makes it easier for Medicare patients to get mental health care through video calls and phone appointments without having to visit a doctor's office in person first. Currently, Medicare has rules that require some patients to have an initial face-to-face appointment before they can use telehealth for mental health services. This bill removes those requirements, allowing people to start mental health treatment entirely through remote technology.

The change applies to all Medicare patients seeking mental health care, including those dealing with substance abuse issues. Instead of having to travel to a clinic or hospital for that first visit, patients could now schedule their initial mental health appointment over video or phone. This is particularly helpful for people in rural areas who might live far from mental health providers, people with transportation challenges, or those who simply prefer the convenience of remote appointments.

The bill also extends these telehealth options to rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers (community health centers that serve low-income areas). These clinics can now offer mental health services through video and phone without the previous restrictions that limited when and how they could provide remote care. Essentially, the bill makes telehealth mental health services more accessible and flexible across different types of healthcare facilities that serve Medicare patients.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.

 <p>This bill permanently removes in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services under Medicare. </p>