WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers in calling for the extension of expanded coverage of telehealth services to be included in must-pass legislation in February. Provisions from the Boozman-cosponsored CONNECT for Health Act were included in previous COVID-19 relief legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services. But these provisions will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act to extend those measures or make them permanent.
“We strongly support permanently expanding Medicare coverage of telehealth and removing other barriers to the use of telehealth because of its ability to expand access to care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes. While Congress prepares to enact permanent telehealth legislation, we urge you to include an extension of the pandemic telehealth authorities in must-pass government funding legislation in February,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Senate and House leaders.
The bipartisan and bicameral Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, was first introduced in 2016. The bill, which is cosponsored by 61 senators, is considered the most comprehensive telehealth legislation in Congress.
The letter was also led by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), and was signed by 42 other lawmakers in addition to Boozman.
Source: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B8D79E23-522D-4C65-AEAE-87D5CFF70C2D
