This legislation aims to permanently integrate telehealth services into the Medicare program for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) . It ensures that these vital healthcare providers can continue to receive Medicare payments for telehealth services beyond any emergency period, treating them as outpatient services under their existing payment structures. A key provision expands the definition of covered telehealth to include audio-only communications , alongside audiovisual interactions, thereby broadening access for individuals who may lack reliable internet or video capabilities. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services update regulations to reflect this expanded definition. Furthermore, the Act permanently eliminates originating site geographic and facility requirements for FQHCs and RHCs when they serve as distant telehealth providers. This change allows patients to access telehealth services from these clinics regardless of their physical location, significantly improving access to care in underserved areas. It also clarifies payment rules, specifying that costs associated with telehealth delivery are considered allowable for FQHC and RHC payment calculations.