EASE Act of 2024

The EASE Act of 2024 (S.4078) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to test a new model improving access to specialty healthcare for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas. It mandates CMS to partner with nonprofit provider networks - comprising at least 50 community health centers or rural clinics (half in rural areas) - to deliver specialty care via telehealth and remote technology, coordinated with primary care providers. Eligible individuals include Medicare Part A/B beneficiaries or Medicaid/CHIP enrollees living in designated rural or underserved communities. The model focuses on expanding remote specialty care access without creating new funding streams, instead utilizing existing CMS innovation authority.