Bills · HR 1349
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1349MedicareHealth care coverage and access
Women’s Protection in Telehealth Act
INTRO FEB 13· LAST ACTION FEB 13
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes federal policy regarding access to medication abortion through the Medicare program, which covers millions of Americans. If passed, it would essentially ban providers from Medicare if they offer abortion pills without strict in-person requirements, such as a physical exam, a doctor being present when the pill is taken, and an in-person follow-up. This could significantly reduce the number of providers who can offer medication abortion services to Medicare patients, especially in rural areas where telehealth might be the only option.
For voters, this bill raises questions about access to reproductive healthcare, the role of federal programs like Medicare in regulating medical procedures, and the balance between patient access and specific procedural requirements for certain medical services. If it becomes law, it could restrict access to medication abortion for Medicare beneficiaries, potentially leading to more limited options or higher out-of-pocket costs for those seeking these services. If it doesn't become law, the current rules for Medicare participation would remain, and providers could continue to offer medication abortions as allowed under existing state and federal regulations without these specific in-person mandates.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Permanently excludes healthcare providers from the Medicare program if they prescribe or furnish abortion-inducing drugs without meeting specific in-person requirements.
This significantly restricts how medication abortions can be offered to Medicare patients, potentially limiting access.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that providing abortion-inducing drugs must involve a physician who physically examines the patient, is present when the drug is taken, and schedules an in-person follow-up visit.
These requirements prohibit common telehealth practices for medication abortion and impose strict in-person conditions.
PROVISION 03
Defines "abortion-inducing drug" as any substance intended to terminate a pregnancy and cause the death of an unborn child, including off-label uses.
This broad definition ensures the restrictions apply to a wide range of medications used for abortion.
PROVISION 04
Makes the exclusion from Medicare permanent and bypasses standard appeal and review processes for excluded providers.
This means providers who violate the provisions would have no recourse to rejoin Medicare, making the penalty very severe.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 7
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
113
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 7 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 13
Introduced in House
FEB 13
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1349
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Last actionFeb 13, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025
House BillHR 1349MedicareHealth care coverage and access
Women’s Protection in Telehealth Act
INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
7
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
