The House Ways and Means Committee has taken a significant step towards preserving telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic by passing the Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act (H.R. 8261). This legislation, introduced by Rep. David Schweikert and Rep. Mike Thompson, aims to expand Medicare telehealth for two years, hospital-at-home flexibilities for five years, and Medicare supplemental payments for rural hospitals and ambulance services.
The bill is crucial as many of the flexibilities granted during the pandemic were set to expire when the public health emergency ended in May 2023. To ensure continued access to telehealth, virtual care, and hospital care at home, Congress needs to act. The unanimous vote by the Ways and Means Committee signals potential support in the full House and Senate.
If passed, the bill would preserve Medicare patients’ access to telehealth for two years and Hospital-at-Home services for five years. Additionally, it would sustain essential Medicare programs for rural and low-volume hospitals and preserve Medicare add-on payments for emergency ambulance services.
Chairman Jason Smith highlighted the urgent need for this legislation, citing the challenges faced by rural communities, including hospital closures, limited access to healthcare services, and shortages of healthcare professionals. The bill is part of a larger trend to address healthcare issues in rural areas and prevent further hospital closures.
Overall, the passage of this legislation is a significant step towards ensuring access to vital healthcare services for millions of Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.