Advocacy Issue: Telehealth Waivers

The Issue

Telehealth has always provided increased access and convenience for patients, but waivers implemented during the pandemic allowed broader portions of the population to experience the benefits of virtual care. The expansion of telehealth services has transformed care delivery, expanded access for millions of Americans and increased convenience in caring for patients, especially those with transportation or mobility limitations.

Given current health care challenges, including major clinician shortages, telehealth holds tremendous potential to leverage geographically dispersed provider capacity to support patient demand.

AHA Position

The AHA continues to work with Congress and the Administration to enact telehealth reform to help providers and beneficiaries be able to utilize these services on a permanent basis.

2024 will be a critical year for telehealth advocacy given the pending expiration of several COVID-related waivers. Without action, we risk a telehealth “cliff” that will negatively impact patient access in all communities.

Key Resources

• Fact Sheet: 2024 Telehealth Advocacy Agenda
• Perspective: Taking Action to Extend Telehealth and Hospital-at-home Programs
• AHA Statement on Legislative Proposals to be Considered Before Energy and Commerce Committee On Sept. 18
• AHA Comments on 340B Drug Pricing Program, IRF Payments, Physician Fee Schedule and Telehealth
• AHA Letter of Support for the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623)