Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing the accessibility of affordable and effective health care in Rural America.

“You won't have the next generation of ag and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities,” said Chairman Arrington. “I'm proud to introduce these important bills to keep Rural America healthy and strong.”

Telehealth Expansion Act:

The Telehealth Expansion Act allows over 32 million Americans with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to access telehealth services before reaching the burden of meeting a deductible.

“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. Access to care below the deductible provides peace of mind, knowing you can quickly get the care you need to address conditions before they worsen. This is vitally important for working families and everyday Americans — especially those in rural areas or those who are seeking tele-mental health care.” — Katy Johnson, President, American Benefits Council

“The Alliance for Connected Care is proud to support the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025, which will ensure employers and plans can support patients through discounted virtual access to a range of health care services.  This bill is important and timely, as it would restore crucial access to telehealth lost in December 2024.  We look forward to working to ensure provisions from this bill are included in an upcoming legislative package.” — Chris Adamec, Executive Director, Alliance for Connected Care

“Many Americans living in health care deserts, like those in Nebraska’s Third District, are separated by significant distances from their health care providers. However, telehealth is a game-changing advancement which streamlines treatment for patients and providers alike. Permanently restoring the ability for Americans with High Deductible Health Plans to immediately utilize insurance benefits for telehealth services would remove an unnecessary barrier for health care access. I thank Rep. Arrington and my other colleagues for working with me on this bipartisan bill.” — Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)

“Millions of families rely on telehealth services to access the care they need. We should be making it easier, not harder, to use this critical health care tool and that’s exactly what the bipartisan Telehealth Expansion Act does,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3). “It’s time to make telehealth access permanent.” — Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)  

"Thanks to advancements in digital technology, telehealth has become an indispensable, enormously popular health care option for patients and providers alike. As our nation grapples with an alarming shortage of healthcare professionals, telehealth reduces wait times and serves as a critical access point for individuals who may otherwise be unable to obtain the care they need. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across our nation, Congress wisely passed a law enabling high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) to waive or lower consumers' out-of-pocket payments for telehealth services before they reach their deductible. That flexibility expired at the end of 2024, which is why I’m proud to support the Telehealth Expansion Act to restore critical access to telehealth for millions of Americans.” — Rep. Schneider (D-IL)

Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act:

The Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act brings back critical emergency and outpatient care to rural communities whose local hospitals closed by converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). 

• In 2020, Congress created the REH designation to allow low-volume rural hospitals at risk of closure to eliminate underused inpatient beds but keep needed emergency and outpatient services.
• Restrictive eligibility reserves this model only to current hospitals, not those who recently shuttered prior to December 2020.
• The bill expands the eligibility requirements by allowing hospitals that have been closed since 2014 to become a Rural Emergency Hospital and receive the additional funding included with the designation.

“TORCH supports the Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act and applauds Congressman Arrington’s leadership on this issue.  At least two rural Texas communities lost their hospitals and need this legislation to restore access to local health services.” — John Henderson, President/CEO, Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals  

“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) thanks Representatives Arrington and Tokuda for their efforts to enhance the Rural Emergency Hospital designation. Converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital is one option for hospitals to keep their doors open and retain local access to care. However, only hospitals open as of December 27, 2020, are currently eligible. This legislation would allow hospitals that closed prior to that date to be eligible to reopen as an REH, bringing critical healthcare services back to the community. We are pleased endorse the Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act.” – Alan Morgan, CEO, NRHA

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