Fischer proposes KEEP Telehealth Options Act

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on Monday introduced bipartisan legislation that would require a federal report on expanding and improving telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a strong advocate for telehealth, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan, common-sense legislation,” Sen. Fischer said. “It would provide valuable information that is needed to determine how we can improve these services to save lives.”

Sen. Fischer sponsored the bipartisan Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent (KEEP) Telehealth Options Act of 2020, S. 4216, with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV). U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Cindy Axne (D-IA) in June introduced the same-named H.R. 7233 in the U.S. House.

If enacted, the bill would direct the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Comptroller General to conduct studies and report to Congress on actions taken to expand access to telehealth services under the Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program during the pandemic, according to the text of the bill.

“Expanded telehealth services have allowed millions of Americans to access the medical care they need during this pandemic, especially those in rural communities,” said Sen. Fischer.

Additionally, the legislation would require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the efficiencies, management, successes, and failures of the expansion of telehealth services during the pandemic, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Fischer’s office, which noted that the studies then would be used by Congress to support and inform long-term flexibilities for telehealth.

The Senate bill has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for consideration, while H.R. 7233 remains under review in both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.