The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) to make certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program permanent.
“I am thrilled that the Energy and Commerce Committee came together in a bipartisan manner to extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients,” Rep. Carter said on Sept. 18 following the committee’s 41-0 vote of approval. “Seniors, individuals with mobility issues, and those living in rural areas rely on telehealth to bring qualified healthcare professionals right to their home.”
The congressman on March 12 sponsored the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, H.R. 7623, alongside seven original cosponsors, including lead U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), to extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries through 2026 and to extend these flexibilities to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Carter’s staff.
“With its passage out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today, we are one step closer to ensuring that anyone who needs these services, especially seniors, those with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, can access the care they need when it’s most convenient for them, all while lowering prescription drug costs,” Rep. Rochester said.
H.R. 7623, which is also under consideration in the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, has garnered support from myriad groups and organizations, including the American Telemedicine Association/ATA Action, the Consumer Technology Association, the Health Innovation Alliance, The Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, the National Rural Health Association, the National Association of Community Health Centers, the American Heart Association, and the American Physical Therapy Association, among many others.
“I urge a swift House floor vote on this bill, so that we can get Medicare beneficiaries the life-saving health care they need,” said Rep. Carter.