ADVION’s Cynthia Morton was quoted in a press release by Representatives David Schweikert (AZ-01) and and Mike Thompson (CA-04) after today’s markup alongside industry leaders at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), Alliance for Connected Care, The National Rural Health Association (NRHA), Moving Health Home, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Advanced Care at Home Coalition: “Rehabilitation therapy providers are only able to continue providing access to therapy services to their patients in many areas of the country because of telehealth,” said Cynthia Morton, Executive Vice President, ADVION. “Telehealth is a lifeline to supporting patient access to physical, occupational and speech therapy because of the labor shortage that we are experiencing now in long-term care. An extension of the telehealth authority is extremely important to the patients we treat.” Background on the Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act (H.R. 8261):

• Preserves Medicare patients’ access to telehealth through 2026.
• Improves telehealth experiences and makes important program reforms.
• Extends essential Medicare programs that sustain rural and low-volume hospitals through September 30, 2025.
• Extends essential Medicare add-on payments for urban, rural, and super-rural areas to preserve access to crucial emergency ambulance services.
• A one pager can be found here. 

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to announce a markup of telehealth bills in the coming days. We will keep you updated as we receive more information and guidance.