October 7, 2024
Bipartisan leaders in Congress are being urged to prioritize policies that ensure continued access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries. A letter addressed to Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell emphasizes the broad support for permanently expanding telehealth access, with at least 66 senators from both parties backing this initiative. The group urges prompt action to preserve patient access to telehealth options initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter highlights the significant role telehealth has played in health-care delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent legislative efforts, such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, have extended Medicare telehealth services coverage for two years, allowing for continuity of care and time for experts to assess the impact of expanded services.
“Telehealth provides essential access to care and improves outcomes, including reduced emergency department utilization and improved medication adherence.,” Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Mark Warner (D-VA) wrote. The letter also advocates for payment parity between in-person and virtual care for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.