AAMC, Nearly 400 Groups Urge Senate Leaders to Extend Telehealth Waivers

The AAMC joined nearly 400 other groups in a Sept. 13 letter urging Senate leaders to extend key telehealth waivers and flexibilities that are tied to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration.

The letter thanked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for their leadership throughout the PHE, particularly in expanding access to telehealth services. “Virtual care is now a fundamental part of the U.S. health care system, and it will improve patient access to high-quality care and strengthen continuity of care well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” the authors stated. The letter noted, however, that expanded access to telehealth will come to an end 151 days after the end of the PHE unless the Senate acts.

The House passed the AAMC-supported Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021 (H.R. 4040) on July 27 [refer to Washington Highlights, July 29]. This bipartisan legislation would extend through December 2024 key telehealth waivers implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter urged the leaders to “act to pass a two-year extension of these important telehealth policies, while continuing to push for a permanent extension.”