Rubio Joins Bipartisan Lawmakers In Calling For Extension Of Pandemic Telehealth Authorities

Press Release

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and a group of 44 bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers in sending a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) calling for the extension of expanded coverage of telehealth services. Previous COVID-19 relief legislation included provisions to allow Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country, and in their homes, to utilize telehealth services and to expand the types of healthcare providers eligible to provide telehealth. However, these provisions will expire following the pandemic unless congressional leaders act to extend those measures or make them permanent.

"Congress recognized the importance of telehealth and included provisions in COVID-19 legislation to increase access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the pandemic," the lawmakers wrote. "We strongly support permanently expanding Medicare coverage of telehealth and removing other barriers to the use of telehealth because of its ability to expand access to care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes."

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