Hinson Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Telehealth Services
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) joined Representatives Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) to introduce the Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent (KEEP) Telehealth Options Act, bipartisan legislation that will help expand telehealth services to Americans.
“A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was that commonsense telehealth options were more readily available. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan KEEP Telehealth Options Act to preserve access to critical telehealth services and break down barriers to care in rural communities. This is an important step toward ensuring that those in rural areas have the same access to care that those in urban areas do, and I look forward to continued, bipartisan work on this issue." - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
“Better access to quality health care services via telehealth has been a game-changer for Ohio’s rural communities. Telehealth is helping to better connect patients and providers by reducing the need for long-distance travel for routine in-person care and consultations. I’m proud to join my colleagues to advance this health care innovation, which greatly benefits rural communities and children.” - Congressman Troy Balderson
“For Americans in rural communities and beyond, access to expanded telehealth services helps to bridge gaps in receiving quality healthcare. The KEEP Telehealth Options Act works to develop our country’s remote care systems, enhancing critical care services for families and hardworking individuals across our country.” - Congressman Joe Neguse
“The COVID-19 pandemic made abundantly clear that the United States needs consistent, accessible telehealth services, especially for those in rural and underserved communities. I am proud to help reintroduce the KEEP Telehealth Options Act to ensure all Americans have the tools at their disposal to access the health care they need where they need it – and that’s exactly what this bill does.” - Congresswoman Susie Lee
Background:
The Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent (KEEP) Telehealth Options Act requires the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), and Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) to each conduct a report and issue recommendations on telehealth. These reports will include information on the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 outbreak, the uptake of those services by patients across the country, and recommendations for enhancing the quality of and access to these services. The bill also asks each entity to make recommendations for potential improvement and expansion, as well as approaches to address and prevent fraudulent activity. This data is crucial in order for Congress to legislate a permanent expansion of telehealth.
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