Capito Joins Effort to Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

CONNECT For Health Act holds broad bipartisan support, most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress; Current flexibilities set to expire September 30 without Congressional action
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined bipartisan group of 60 senators in reintroducing theCreating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. TheCONNECT for Health Actwill expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.
“Telehealth is transforming the way Americans access health care, especially in rural communities like those in West Virginia. The flexibilities put in place during the pandemic proved how effective and efficient virtual care can be. This legislation ensures that patients can continue to receive timely, quality care no matter where they live,”Senator Capito said.
Telehealth provides essential access to care with nearly a quarter of Americans accessing telehealth in a month, according to the most recent available data.
TheCONNECT for Health Actwould:
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
TheCONNECT for Health Actwas first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio).
TheCONNECT for Health Acthas the support of more than 150 organizations, including: the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
The full text of the bill is availablehere.