President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has indicated his support for telehealth.
Xavier Becerra called attention to the effects of inequality on the health of vulnerable communities and acknowledged the role of digital health in addressing that inequity.
Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., highlighted several provisions, which are currently in place and have expanded access to telehealth, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
He expressed the hope that these provisions will garner support and noted that they are not just important during COVID-19. They are also necessary in the future in post-pandemic times.
Becerra reiterated the belief that there is going to be an expansion of telehealth. He said that COVID has taught everyone so much. Also, the issue of broadband is vital. It's necessary to ensure communities have access to broadband.
Becerra said if we don’t learn from COVID how telehealth can help save lives, then we are certainly in trouble.
A group of U.S. representatives in January reintroduced a House bill to safeguard some provisions that included eliminating geographic and originating site restrictions while using telehealth in Medicare. Currently, this bill is in committee.
In lieu of federal action, many states have taken upon themselves, with legislatures introducing hundreds of bills to address virtual care. The majority of them would expand access to telemedicine. While a few like New Hampshire plan to roll back coverage.
HELP Committee Chair Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington said that it's necessary to address discrimination within our healthcare system where all people, including families of color and people having low incomes, get access to high-quality care.
Becerra said that he has worked for a long time on these issues. He said if we collect better data, it will help us understand what these shortages are, and whom we are excluding. Thus, we can also provide better treatment.