Congress Works to Expand Telehealth

By Consumers for Quality Care, on April 20, 2022

New bipartisan legislation recently introduced, called the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act, would make it easier for consumers to access telehealth by making it an excepted employee benefit, similar to dental or vision coverage, according to mHealth Intelligence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers used telehealth for the first time. Patients saw the benefit of being able to easily connect with a mental health professional or keep regular appointments to monitor and treat chronic illnesses. More than three-quarters of patients who have used telehealth in the last nine months said they would prefer to do so again in the future.

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), one of the sponsors said, “Throughout the pandemic, telehealth has proven to be a vital tool for Americans to receive timely and quality care from their own home. For rural communities, in particular, telemedicine has helped remove barriers to care, expand access to specialists, and improve health outcomes.”

Telehealth has allowed consumers to access the health care they need, including in underserved and rural communities. The Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act is one of several bills Congress is considering that would make it easier for consumers to access virtual care. CQC urges lawmakers to continue finding solutions to increase access to telehealth for consumers both during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.