September 13, 2022: MGMA and partner organizations urge Senate leadership to extend telehealth flexibilities

September 13, 2022

The Honorable Charles Schumer
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators Schumer and McConnell:

Thank you for your continued leadership in expanding access to virtual care during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). This access has been transformational – patients now expect and often prefer telehealth as a key component of our health care system and providers have been able to reach many patients that previously had access barriers through virtual care.

These opportunities were made possible by the flexibilities and waivers under the current PHE. However, at the end of the COVID-19 PHE period, the clock begins to tick on the current 151-day statutory extension of telehealth waivers. While we appreciate these temporary extensions, the short-term nature continues to introduce significant uncertainty into our health care system. Providers must weigh the costs of investing in the technological and clinical infrastructure required to maintain telehealth programs at scale against the uncertainty of when these telehealth policies may end. Further, patients who utilize telehealth as part of their care plan face the possibility of a forced return to in-person care. This is particularly concerning for those utilizing telehealth to reach experts at longer distances, for access to mental and behavioral health practitioners, and those receiving ongoing remote care for chronic conditions.

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