On June 10, 2025, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) reintroduced the bipartisan Telemental Health Care Access Act (H.R. 3884opens in new window). APA Services has long supported this legislation, including through the advocacy of over 70 APA members who met with their members of Congress to emphasize the need for strengthening access to care during the June 2024 advocacy summit.
If enacted, the legislation would take two critical steps towards preserving access to mental and behavioral health services furnished via telehealth. First, the bill would repeal a periodic in-person visit requirement for Medicare beneficiaries receiving mental health services via telehealth. The requirement is currently set to go into effect after the end of September 2025.
Second, the bill would extend certain permanent Medicare coverage flexibilities for telemental health services to telebehavioral health services as well. This is a critical issue for practitioners furnishing services such as health behavior services, which require a primary medical diagnosis and as such are not classified as “mental health” services.
“Telehealth remains a crucial lifeline for patients seeking behavioral health support, particularly in communities with limited access to local providers,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, in a press releaseopens in new window from Matsui’s office. “Patients deserve uninterrupted, comprehensive care, yet restrictive policies on telebehavioral health services threaten the progress made in expanding access to treatment options. The reintroduction of the Telemental Health Care Access Act by Representatives Matsui and Balderson is a pivotal step in protecting access to essential care. Their commitment to ensuring patients can receive lifesaving behavioral health treatment—regardless of geographic barriers—is a victory for all who rely on these vital services.”
A companion bill in the Senate is expected soon from Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The current Medicare rules for coverage of telehealth services (including a delay of the in-person visit requirement) are currently set to expire on October 1, 2025. APA Services expects that conversations among legislators on preserving these rules will accelerate later this summer.
For more information, contact: Andrew Strickland.