TAFA Commends E&C Lawmakers for Hearing That Will Add to Bipartisan Momentum to Permanently Protect Access to Telehealth for Consumers

Campaign Encourages Lawmakers to Highlight Critical Value of Virtual Care and the Urgency for Action to Avert a Telehealth Cliff for Millions of Patients

Washington, D.C – Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) issued the following statement ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health hearing, “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services.”

“We commend Chairman Guthrie (R-KY), Ranking Member Eshoo (D-CA), and members of the Subcommittee, for holding this hearing that will add to the bipartisan momentum behind urgently needed solutions to permanently protect access to telehealth for consumers,” said TAFA executive director Alye Mlinar. “We encourage lawmakers to capitalize on this opportunity to highlight the urgency for action, to dispel myths about virtual care, and to highlight telehealth’s proven value as a critical solution to improve health equity, support greater access to care, achieve better health outcomes and lower costs.”

“Without urgent action from Congress, millions of patients who rely on virtual care are less than 275 days away from a potential telehealth cliff,” Mlinar continued. “Today’s hearing can be a positive first step for lawmakers to protect access to telehealth, without onerous restrictions, to ensure patients can access their doctor as easily as possible, and providers can unlock the full value of virtual care.” 

ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA

Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services. Learn more at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.