The Chronic Care Policy Alliance (CCPA) urges Congress to come together in a bipartisan manner to immediately extend Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities, which lapsed at 12am on October 1, creating confusion and uncertainty for patients and providers alike. For millions of Americans – especially those living with chronic conditions, in rural communities, or with limited mobility – telehealth has been a lifeline.
Since the start of the pandemic, these flexibilities have freed patients to connect with their doctors, manage complex conditions, and access behavioral health services in areas and circumstances that make it difficult if not impossible to travel to receive care. Without clarity or swift action, patients and providers are left in limbo, uncertain whether they can continue care that has been essential for years.
Rolling back these provisions would take us backward, forcing patients to travel long distances, face long wait times, or go without care altogether.
We call on Congress to act swiftly to ensure patients do not lose access to the care they depend on. Extending telehealth flexibilities is a commonsense, patient-centered solution that promotes equity, innovation, and continuity of care for all Americans