Central Montana Times

U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Catherine Cortez Masto have introduced the "Telehealth Expansion Act," a bipartisan effort aimed at making expanded access to telehealth services permanent. This legislative move seeks to provide continuous support for virtual healthcare, particularly benefiting rural communities.

"Many Montanans depend on telehealth services to provide health care access across our state, especially in rural communities where patients and families would otherwise have to drive long distances and face unpredictable weather conditions to receive care. This bipartisan bill expands the telehealth resources folks have come to rely on, and I’ll keep working to make sure Montanans have access to the care and services they need," said Daines.

Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of accessibility: "Nevadans should have easy access to essential health care services regardless of where they live. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure families in rural communities don’t have to drive for hours to go to a routine doctor’s appointment that could be conducted virtually."

The "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025" aims to allow first-dollar coverage of virtual care under high-deductible health plans paired with a health savings account, enabling Americans to access telehealth without first meeting a deductible. Daines had previously authored provisions in both the "CARES Act" and the "Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023" during the pandemic.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Jodey Arrington, Susie Lee, Adrian Smith, Brad Schneider, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Jimmy Panetta.

Katy Johnson from the American Benefits Council praised the initiative: “The Alliance to Fight for Health Care applauds Representatives Arrington and Schneider and Senators Daines and Cortez-Masto for leading the charge to help keep telehealth affordable.”

Elizabeth Mitchell from the Purchaser Business Group on Health also expressed support: “Employers and purchasers are dedicated to helping their workers access affordable care. PBGH applauds Congressional leaders for pushing to make permanent telehealth below the deductible.”

Kevin McKechnie from the American Bankers Association HSA Council stated: “The Health Savings Account Council strongly supports expanding flexibility for employers and health plans.”

Ilyse Schuman from the American Benefits Council added: “For many Americans, telehealth is literally a lifesaver... Employers strongly support public policy that expands this vital service.”

Chris Adamec from Alliance for Connected Care remarked: “The Alliance for Connected Care is proud to support the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025... We look forward to working to ensure provisions from this bill are included in an upcoming legislative package.”