ATA, ATA ACTION CALL FOR CONTINUED BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR TELEHEALTH EXTENSIONS, URGE CONGRESS TO ACT QUICKLY WITH YEAR-END CLOCK TICKING
WASHINGTON, D.C., DECEMBER 4, 2024 – With only 27 days remaining until telehealth flexibilities are set to expire, the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action continue to urge Congress to extend access to critically-needed virtual care services in a year-end legislative package.
“Our healthcare system and millions of Americans have benefitted from unprecedented bipartisan, bicameral support for telehealth, across presidential administrations of both parties, underscoring the value of virtual care delivery. Now, with the end-of-year deadline fast approaching, it is incumbent on Congress to do the right thing and pass legislation extending telehealth flexibilities for as long as possible, including both the existing Medicare telehealth flexibilities and the critical HDHP-HSA provision that allows Americans to access telehealth services before meeting their deductible,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA and executive director, ATA Action. “By acting in the best interest of patients and healthcare providers, Congress can swiftly address mounting ramifications that are already hindering care delivery and ensure all patients receive the care they need, no matter where they live.
“The ball is squarely in Congress’ court,” added Zebley. “By eliminating lingering uncertainties around telehealth access, including through Medicare and tax policy provisions, policymakers can ensure the uninterrupted delivery of safe, convenient, and timely virtual care services, support overburdened healthcare providers, and provide clinically appropriate care to millions of patients in need.
“Congress has been a great champion for telehealth, and we remain grateful for their unwavering support. We urge these upstanding policymakers to allow continued access to appropriate and necessary care that patients and providers have come to rely on since early 2020,” he said.
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.
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 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
