The "EASE Act of 2025" directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model that uses digital tools and provider networks to improve access to specialty healthcare for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in rural and underserved areas.
Jodey Arrington
Representative
TX-19
The "EASE Act of 2025" mandates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a "Specialty Health Care Services Access Model." This model will use digital tools and provider networks to deliver specialty care to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries in rural and underserved areas, coordinating with their primary care providers. Participating provider networks must include a minimum of 50 Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, or rural emergency hospitals, with at least half in rural areas, and meet other requirements. Funding for this initiative is subject to specific provisions in Public Law 117-328.
New Bill Tests Digital Bridge to Specialty Care for Rural Medicare & Medicaid Patients
This legislation, the EASE Act of 2025, directs the folks at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to try out a new approach for connecting people in rural and underserved areas with specialized doctors. Think easier access to cardiologists or neurologists without necessarily needing a long drive. The core idea is to test a model using digital tools – like telehealth – to deliver specialty care, making sure it works hand-in-hand with a patient's regular primary care provider.
Plugging into the Network
So, how does this work on the ground? The bill requires CMMI to partner with specific provider networks to run this test. These aren't just any networks; they have to be non-profits with a solid track record of helping rural and underserved communities across different regions. A key requirement, outlined in Section 2, is that each network must include at least 50 specific types of local providers – think Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, or smaller rural hospitals – and at least half of these must be located in rural areas. They also need the tech capability to handle the data collection and exchange required for the model.
Who Qualifies and What's the Catch?
This pilot program targets specific groups: individuals covered by Medicare (Part A or B) or enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provided they live in an area designated as rural or underserved. The goal is straightforward: use technology to shrink the distance between these patients and the specialists they need. While this could be a game-changer for many, success hinges on reliable digital access. If you're in an area with spotty internet or aren't comfortable using digital devices, accessing care through this model might still be challenging. The bill doesn't specify which digital tools, leaving some flexibility but also uncertainty about accessibility for everyone eligible.