Telehealth Access for America Applauds HHS PHE & COVID-19 Waiver Extension, Urges Congress to Act

Following Secretary Becerra’s decision to extend the public health emergency declaration, TAFA calls for permanent protections for telehealth access.

Washington, D.C – Telehealth Access for America issued the following statement in response to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra’s decision today to extend the public health emergency (PHE) and COVID-19 telehealth waivers for 90 more days. 

“As the nation continues to battle COVID-19, we applaud Secretary Becerra’s decision to extend the public health emergency and COVID-19 waivers which have helped provide much-needed flexibility and access to telehealth for millions of patients over the past nearly two years. But while this extension is welcomed, the decision underscores the need for action by Congress to permanently protect patients’ access to virtual care,” said TAFA spokesperson Julia Mirich.

“Recent telehealth flexibility, investment, and growth has provided millions of patients with access to high-quality virtual care, and supported better health outcomes and increased patient choice, among other benefits. Patients and caregivers shouldn’t have to live their lives in 90-day increments, wondering if their access to telehealth will be covered when they need it next,” Mirich continued. “Congress must make the benefits of expanded telehealth access permanent by enacting comprehensive reform to safeguard telehealth coverage for all patients.”

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.

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