AHA supports House bill to study, enhance access to telehealth  

AHA this week voiced support for bipartisan legislation (H.R.1110) introduced in the House that would require the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, and Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to study expanded telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend potential enhancements to telehealth access and quality. 

“Telehealth has created innovative and safe ways for hospitals and health systems to deliver patient-centered care,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, AHA’s senior vice president of advocacy and political affairs. “We appreciate Representative Balderson's legislation, which will build on the lessons learned from telehealth usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Making the coverage of telehealth services permanent is critical for hospitals and health systems to deliver more convenient access and care to as many patients as possible while improving satisfaction and outcomes.” 

Rep. Troy Balderson, R- Ohio, sponsored the Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act with Reps. Susie Lee, D-Nev., Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Joe Neguse, D-Colo.