Energy and Commerce Holds Legislative Hearing on Telehealth Access
On April 10th, the House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to discuss legislative proposals to support patient access to telehealth services.
Lawmakers on the committee are considering what congressional action is necessary ahead of the December 31, 2024 expiration of COVID-era flexibilities that expanded the provision of telehealth in the Medicare program.
The panel discussed 15 bills during the hearing, including H.R. 4189, the CONNECT for Health Act; H.R. 7623, the Telehealth Modernization Act; H.R. 7149, the Equal Access to Specialty Care Everywhere Act; and H.R. 134 which would remove geographic requirements and expand originating sites for telehealth services. Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.), a dermatologist and sponsor of H.R. 1406, the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act, reminded the committee that access to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services already lapsed when the COVID-19 PHE ended and urged his colleagues to advance his bill as part of any telehealth package considered by the committee.
Rep. Joyce discussed with witnesses the importance of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for improving overall health outcomes and ultimately providing cost savings to the Medicare program. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), a cardiothoracic surgeon, stated his support for H.R. 1406 and also spoke about the importance of ensuring access to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.