What They Are Saying: Lawmakers Remain Eager To Establish Permanent Telehealth Protections

“Telehealth Has Improved Access For Virtually Every American,” Says Representative

Recent U.S. Senate and U.S. House hearings continued to highlight the overwhelming bipartisan support from lawmakers to establish permanent telehealth protections. During recent budget hearings, lawmakers and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra discussed the integral benefits of telehealth access for patients and providers and urged permanent action. 

Congress must build on this momentum and act now to permanently safeguard virtual care access for the millions who rely on it.

Read what lawmakers had to say on telehealth and the need for action here:

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra: “We thank [Congress] for the extension for some of those telehealth opportunities that will expire in 2024, but we need to do something permanently.” (House Committee on Ways & Means Hearing, 3/29/23)

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID): “As the budget request mentions, my colleagues and I came together last year to advance crucial two-year extension of wide-ranging telehealth flexibilities, including for medicare beneficiaries. Without further action however, these policies will expire at the end of 2024, creating a coverage cliff for tens of millions of seniors across the country. (Senate Committee On Finance Hearing, 3/22/23)

U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (D-NH-02): “Telehealth not only allows a patient to receive care in the comfort of their own home, but it also empowers providers to use their skills in communities that need it most, and it’s particularly important in a rural district like mine.” (House Committee on Energy and Commerce Hearing, 3/29/23)

U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10): “Telemedicine has improved access for virtually every American, including those who live far from medical facilities, those who don’t have ready access to transportation, folks in need of mental health who can’t find a provider with an open appointment near them, or maybe are just too shy to go in public because of the perceived stigma.” (House Committee on Ways & Means Hearing, 3/29/23)

Learn more about Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) and permanent solutions to protect access to telehealth HERE.