ICYMI: More Than 200 Health Care Stakeholders Call on Congress to Permanently Protect Access to Telehealth
Letter to Congressional Leaders Highlights Importance of Urgent Action to Avert Telehealth Cliff, Provide Certainty for Virtual Care
In case you missed it, more than 200 health care stakeholders recently sent a letter to Congress encouraging lawmakers to permanently protect access to telehealth before flexibilities for virtual care expire on December 31, 2024.
“Current telehealth flexibilities have played a critical role in promoting access to vital health care services including advanced specialists (e.g. oncologists) and mental health services without a previous in-person appointment,” the letter states. “This is particularly true for patients in rural and underserved areas, patients with mobility issues, and patients with transportation or other limitations that prevent them from accessing in-person care in a timely manner.”
The letter notes that the lack of permanent policy and the threat of a potential telehealth cliff for consumers undermines certainty around telehealth — undermining investments in new offerings and innovations and leaving patients without peace of mind.
“Without clear guidance from Congress on a long-term approach for telehealth flexibilities, health care delivery systems will not be able to invest sufficient resources to allow maximal access to patients. We believe that policymakers now have more than enough evidence to see the benefits of telehealth and consider a permanent pathway to ensure that telehealth continues to be available and accessible,” the letter concludes.
The letter should add to strong bipartisan momentum in Washington behind permanent solutions to safeguard access to telehealth, without onerous restrictions that could undermine the full value of virtual care for consumers.
Read the full letter HERE and learn more about how Congress can act to permanently protect telehealth access 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 and take action today at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.