Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) introduced the bipartisan Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth, or the HEALTH Act, which will codify Medicare reimbursement for community centers and rural health clinics for telehealth services. Rep. Thompson remarks that, “The HEALTH Act will cut red tape and provide community health centers and rural health clinics the ability to offer these vital services to their patients on a more permanent basis.” Rep. Butterfield further states, “I am proud to join Congressman GT Thompson in introducing this vital legislation to address the telehealth needs of Medicare patients during this pandemic and beyond.” NRHA supports the passage of this bipartisan bill because telehealth has proven vital during COVID-19 and remain necessary in the future as well. However, issues like poor bandwidth internet connectivity and access to appropriate technology for rural providers and their patients must be addressed.
