Support the Expansion of Telehealth Access in the Continuing Resolution Package
The future of telehealth is at risk. Without congressional action, critical telehealth flexibilities will expire on March 31st, potentially disrupting patient care across the country. As you consider the upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR), we urge you to support the proposed six-month extension of telehealth flexibilities. This extension is vital for maintaining accessible, high-quality healthcare for millions of Americans.
Why Telehealth Matters?
Provides essential access: Medicare patients can receive care from home, with no geographic restrictions, ensuring convenience and continuity of care.
Supports rural and underserved communities: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can continue serving as distant-site telehealth providers. Approximately 67.4 million Medicare recipients rely on telehealth services. Without an extension, these individuals may face significant disruptions in their care, leading to "chaos" and confusion among beneficiaries.
Proven cost-effective and high-quality: Research shows telehealth is safe, effective, and reduces unnecessary healthcare utilization.
Ensures treatment continuity: Without an extension, Medicare patients may see their appointments canceled, putting their health at risk. Telehealth has become an essential component of our healthcare system, with usage increasing from 11% in 2019 to around 46% in 2021.
Preserves access to necessary medications: The DEA’s temporary telehealth prescribing waivers expire at the end of 2025. Long-term solutions are needed to protect patients.
Demonstrated Effectiveness: Research indicates that telehealth is cost-effective, high-quality, and does not lead to increased fraud or overutilization. It provides long-term cost savings for payers and offers a safe, effective way for patients to receive care.
What’s At Stake?
Short-term waiver extensions create uncertainty, hindering providers from making necessary investments in telehealth infrastructure. This uncertainty puts patients at risk, as they may lose access to telehealth services if these flexibilities expire. Long-term solutions are needed to ensure the continuity of care and the stability of our healthcare system.
Congress has only extended these telehealth flexibilities until March 31st, 2025. Without action:
Patients will lose access to critical telehealth services.
Healthcare providers will face uncertainty, making it difficult to invest in telehealth infrastructure.
Delays in care will increase costs and negatively impact health outcomes.
