ICYMI: Bipartisan Group of 60 Senators Reintroduce CONNECT for Health Act to Permanently Safeguard Virtual Care
In case you missed it, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced legislation last week to permanently safeguard Medicare telehealth flexibilities – the CONNECT for Health Act. Led by Senators Schatz (D-HI), Wicker (R-MS), Warner (D-VA), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Welch (D-VT), and Barrasso (R-WY), the reintroduction of this legislation once again demonstrates overwhelmingly bipartisan support to permanently protect telehealth. Congress must capitalize with permanent solutions as flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, 2025.
In a release on the reintroduction, lawmakers stressed the need for action and benefits of virtual care:
Sen. Wicker: “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country. It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
Sen. Schatz: “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
Sen: Warner: “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care. I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it.”
Sen. Hyde-Smith: “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare. This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
Sen. Welch: “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential. Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
Sen. Barrasso: “Telehealth is critical for rural states like Wyoming. It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
“Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) commends lawmakers for their commitment to enacting permanent telehealth protections, including through legislation like the CONNECT for Health Act. Millions of seniors rely on Medicare telehealth flexibilities and failure to safeguard them could result in these patients losing access to valuable care,” said TAFA spokesperson Julia Mirich.
Learn more about Telehealth Access for America and the need for permanent telehealth protections HERE.
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.