ATA AND ATA ACTION MARK MAJOR MILESTONE FOR TELEHEALTH AS CONGRESS PASSES OMNIBUS BILL INCLUDING EXTENSIONS ALLOWING ACCESS TO VIRTUAL CARE SERVICES FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
WASHINGTON, DC, DECEMBER 23, 2022 – Following a historic vote in Congress today, the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action issued the following statement expressing appreciation to the numerous Congressional telehealth champions who believe in the value and necessity of virtual care. The omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress earlier today includes several critical two-year extensions for telehealth provisions put in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The omnibus bill is now before President Biden to be signed into law before year-end.
“This is a clear demonstration of the very best of our elected officials at work, first enacting flexibilities to allow telehealth services to deliver care to patients remotely during an unprecedented global pandemic. Now, as telehealth has proven to be an often lifesaving and widely valued option for millions of Americans, our Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle have taken appropriate action to ensure these services will remain in place for the next two years, while we seek permanent legislation on the state and federal levels,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, American Telemedicine Association, and executive director, ATA Action. “We urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law and give our healthcare providers and patients the assurance they need that telehealth will remain in place to provide convenient, quality care whenever and wherever needed, including in rural and underserved communities. We can think of no better way to end the year than with this gift of access to healthcare for all Americans.”
About ATA Action
ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 company and an affiliated trade organization of the ATA.
About the ATA
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.
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