Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act Introduced in House of Representatives

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) has introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which aims to make permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is designed to expand access to healthcare, saving patients time and money by eliminating transportation costs. Senator Shaheen has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

This bill comes at a critical time, as rural communities have seen the benefits of telehealth in recent years. With the pandemic, telehealth has become a vital aspect of modern-day healthcare, and it is essential that folks in rural communities have unfettered access to this necessity. The bipartisan legislation has the support of over twenty organizations, including the Alliance for Connected Care and the American Medical Group Association.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act aims to make permanent Medicare coverage of telehealth services allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The bill seeks to expand access to healthcare, saving patients time and money by eliminating transportation costs.
  • The legislation allows patients to be treated at home and expands coverage of audio-only services for certain conditions.
  • The bill has the support of over twenty organizations, including the Alliance for Connected Care and the American Medical Group Association.
  • The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act is a bipartisan effort, co-sponsored by Representatives Lisa McClain (MI-09), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Marcus Molinaro (NY-19), Alex Mooney (WV-02), and Zach Nunn (IA-03).
  • The legislation aims to ensure vital access to telehealth for those who need it most, particularly in rural communities.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 organizations support the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act, including the Alliance for Connected Care and the American Medical Group Association.
  • The bill aims to save patients time and money by eliminating transportation costs to healthcare services.
  • The Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act is a bipartisan effort, co-sponsored by six Representatives from different states.
  • Medicare coverage of telehealth services has expanded access to healthcare in rural communities across the country.
  • The legislation aims to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their zip code, have access to the care they need.

Sources:

  • Office of New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas
  • Senator Shaheen
  • Alliance for Connected Care
  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
  • America's Essential Hospitals
  • Americans for Prosperity
  • American Medical Group Association (AMGA)
  • American Telemedicine Association
  • AMDA The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
  • eHealth Initiative
  • Global Liver Institute
  • Hawai'i Parkinson Association
  • International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis)
  • LeadingAge
  • Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
  • National Association of Health Underwriters
  • National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs
  • National Rural Health Association
  • Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth
  • Progressive Policy Institute
  • Psychiatric Medical Care
  • Special Needs Plan Alliance
  • diaTribe Foundation