TELEHEALTH AS AN EXCEPTED BENEFIT CLEARS HOUSE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE, ENCOURAGING NEWS FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS
Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023 would allow access to telehealth for all employees, including part-time, contracted and seasonal workers.
Washington, DC, June 14, 2023 — The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) and ATA Action issued the following statement, following last night’s positive, bipartisan vote by the House Education and Workforce Committee, to favorably report the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023.
“The ATA and ATA Action commend the Committee for advancing this important bill supporting access to quality care for hardworking employees, retirees, and their families. We hope that the bipartisan nature of the bill, widespread support among stakeholders, and the common-sense approach to increasing access to virtual care for employees will propel this legislation forward and ensure quick passage,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA, and executive director, ATA Action. “This legislation will enable millions of American workers – who gained access to new telehealth benefits during the pandemic – to maintain access to affordable, high-quality care for themselves and their families.
“We urge the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to move swiftly and affirmatively to pass this important legislation out of the committee and secure telehealth services for American workers. Access to telehealth and virtual care services can reduce the need to take time off from work, offer a solution for individuals with limited mobility or access to transportation, and has the potential to address a critical and growing healthcare provider shortage,” added Zebley. “We are encouraged by the House Education and Workforce Committee’s support, from both parties, and will continue to work with our telehealth policy champions to see this bill passed into law as quickly as possible.”
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.
