U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
On behalf of our 3 million members and the 50 million students they serve, we urge you to VOTE YES on the bipartisan Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act (H.R. 4040). Votes on this issue may be included in NEA’s report card for the 117th Congress.
This bill would make permanent policies implemented during the during the COVID-19 public health emergency that have made it safer and easier for Medicare beneficiaries to receive high-quality healthcare in cost-effective ways. Among them:
- Removing barriers to telehealth services. Instead of requiring such services to be provided only in designated places, Medicare beneficiaries could continue to receive telehealth services safely from home.
- Expanding the list of covered providers. Telehealth services could be furnished by any healthcare provider eligible to bill and receive reimbursement from Medicare.
- Expanding the types of covered sites. Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics could continue to provide telehealth services.
- Allowing audio-only telehealth coverage. This approach would make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain evaluation, management, and behavorial health services.
During the pandemic, Medicare beneficiaries’ access to telehealth services—especially in rural and underserved communities—was expanded safely, helping to support health and wellness nationwide. So that we may continue to reap the benefits of that approach, we urge you to VOTE YES on H.R. 4040.
Sincerely,
Marc Egan
Director of Government Relations
National Education Association
