Extending Telehealth Expansion: A Critical Priority for Congress in 2024
The benefits of telehealth are undeniable, yet its future for Medicare beneficiaries hangs in the balance. With expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth set to expire on December 31, 2024, more than 100 bipartisan lawmakers, led by Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), are rallying for action. Their unified call emphasizes the urgency of including an extension of telehealth provisions in this year’s appropriations package.
A Proven Success During the Pandemic and Beyond
Telehealth proved to be a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling patients to access care safely from their homes. Provisions from the Schatz-Wicker CONNECT for Health Act, included in earlier COVID-19 relief legislation, have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to:
Access healthcare regardless of geographic location.
Receive care at home, rather than needing to travel to designated clinical sites.
Consult with a broader range of healthcare providers, including those newly authorized to deliver telehealth services.
These changes have transformed healthcare delivery, particularly for rural and underserved communities. Now, Medicare beneficiaries rely on telehealth for regular checkups, chronic disease management, and mental health services. Without Congressional action, these vital services are at risk.
The Push for a Permanent Solution
Telehealth expansion enjoys widespread bipartisan and bicameral support. A letter led by Senators Schatz and Wicker and signed by 100 lawmakers highlights the need to:
Eliminate Geographic Restrictions: Allow patients to access care no matter where they live, including from their homes.
Expand Eligible Providers: Ensure patients have access to a broad array of healthcare professionals.
Empower Rural Health Centers: Permit Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to act as telehealth distant site providers.
Ensure Continuity in Hospice and Mental Health Care: Allow telehealth for hospice recertification and permanently repeal the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health services.
The Evidence is Clear
Data and research reinforce telehealth’s value:
Improved Outcomes: Studies have shown reduced emergency department utilization and improved medication adherence among patients using telehealth services.
High Satisfaction Rates: Medicare beneficiaries consistently report high satisfaction with telehealth care.
Cost Efficiency: Telehealth reduces travel costs and time for patients while optimizing resource use for providers.
Why Now?
While there is overwhelming support for permanent telehealth legislation, Congress must act immediately to provide long-term certainty. Extending these provisions through the end-of-year appropriations package is critical to:
Avoid a lapse in services that would disrupt care for millions of patients.
Encourage continued investment in telehealth infrastructure and innovation.
Meet the evolving healthcare needs of an aging population.
A Bipartisan Call to Action
This issue transcends party lines, as evidenced by the overwhelming support from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Recent votes in the House of Representatives to extend telehealth provisions were unanimous and bipartisan, reflecting a shared commitment to improving healthcare access.
What’s at Stake
Telehealth is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. For patients in rural areas, those with mobility challenges, and anyone managing chronic conditions, telehealth has become a cornerstone of their healthcare. Mental and behavioral health services, which now account for 40% of Medicare telehealth visits, have been especially transformative.
Failing to extend telehealth coverage would roll back years of progress and create unnecessary barriers to care for millions of Americans.
Conclusion: Keep the Momentum Going
As the year comes to a close, Congressional leaders must prioritize telehealth in the appropriations package. Doing so will:
Preserve access to essential care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Ensure the continued evolution of healthcare delivery models.
Demonstrate a commitment to modern, inclusive, and equitable healthcare.
The future of healthcare is here. It’s time for Congress to solidify telehealth as a permanent feature of Medicare. Patients, providers, and policymakers all stand to benefit from this critical investment in our nation’s health. Let’s ensure telehealth remains accessible and reliable for everyone who depends on it.
Take Action Now: Contact your representatives and urge them to include telehealth expansion in the year-end package. Together, we can protect and enhance the health of millions of Americans.