After failing to make it through Congress in the last year, The Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act is being re-introduced. The lawmakers should see enough value in telehealth for making it a priority this year. The new administration has taken on in Washington and some lawmakers are trying to re-emphasize the passing of long-term telehealth legislation.

This group of lawmakers re-introduced The Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act aiming to make some emergency telehealth access and coverage rules that were put in place over the last year to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill would:

Remove most geographic and originating site restrictions placed on Medicare coverage for telehealth.

Include patient’s home as a valid distant site.

Authority will be given to Health and Human Services Secretary to issue waivers to expand Medicare coverage for telehealth in case of future emergencies.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service will be authorized to continue covering telehealth services listed in the emergency measures for 90 days post the public health emergency.

During the Public Health Emergency, a study of telehealth use will be mandated to include an analysis of costs, racial and geographical disparities, and measurable health outcomes.

Among others, the new bill is supported by the American Telemedicine Association too.

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) said in a press release that during the coronavirus pandemic, telehealth has been a game-changer to ensure patients continue to get access to care by reducing the spread of the virus during routine medical visits.

But patients might face an abrupt end to the practice when the pandemic ends, though its cost-effectiveness while extending care to patients has long been proved. This bill will ensure that the expansion of telehealth services will stay and be utilized for continuous care in case of future emergencies and disasters