From staff reports
U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson introduced the bipartisan Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth, or HEALTH Act, as part of National Telehealth Awareness Week, according to a news release from his office.
The legislation, according to the release, would secure Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services provided by community health centers and rural health clinics. It would continue to allow providers to utilize audio-only telehealth visits for patients who do not have access to broadband services.
“As a former health care professional who spent nearly 30 years serving rural populations, I am amazed at how telehealth makes life simpler for rural and underserved communities — and, in particular, their older residents,” Thompson said. “Continued use and promotion of these services will improve health equity by increasing access to care for our most vulnerable, especially in rural communities.
“The HEALTH Act cuts red tape and permanently allows community health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services to their patients.”