Montana Telehealth Options Could Expand Under New Bipartisan Senate Bill

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have introduced the “Telehealth Expansion Act” aimed at making expanded access to telehealth services a permanent feature of American healthcare.

In a statement, Daines emphasized the importance of telehealth services for Montanans, particularly in rural areas where accessing healthcare can be a significant challenge. He stated, “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.”

Montana’s vast, rural landscape presents unique challenges for healthcare access, with many residents living over 100 miles from the nearest hospital or specialist. Harsh winter weather and dangerous road conditions often make traveling for medical care difficult, particularly for elderly patients and those with chronic conditions. Additionally, the state faces a shortage of healthcare providers, especially in mental health and primary care, leaving many communities underserved. Telehealth has become a vital tool for bridging these gaps, offering rural Montanans access to essential services without long and costly trips. For tribal and frontier communities, virtual care can be a lifeline, ensuring timely treatment and improving health outcomes in areas where medical resources are limited.

The Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025 seeks to permanently permit first-dollar coverage of virtual care under high-deductible health plans paired with health savings accounts. This provision would allow individuals to access telehealth services without first meeting their deductible.

Previously, Daines successfully authored provisions in the “CARES Act” and the “Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023” to enhance access to virtual healthcare during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).

The bill has garnered support from various organizations. Katy Johnson, President of the American Benefits Council, stated, “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.”

Elizabeth Mitchell, President and CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health, remarked, “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. Telehealth can be a lifeline for those in rural areas and can be a life saver for those needing quick access to tele-mental health care.”

Support was also voiced by Kevin McKechnie, Executive Director of the American Bankers Association HSA Council, as well as Ilyse Schuman, Senior Vice President at the American Benefits Council, and Chris Adamec, Executive Director of the Alliance for Connected Care, emphasizing the necessity of telehealth services and calling for swift enactment of the bill.