Rep. Blunt Rochester Celebrates Unanimous Passage of Telehealth Modernization Act in Energy and Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON - Today, the Telehealth Modernization Act, introduced by Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bipartisan legislation would extend telehealth flexibilities to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics while lowering prescription drug costs through pharmacy benefit manager reform. After unanimously passing through the Energy & Commerce Committee, the bill is eligible for consideration on the full House Floor.

"One of the few positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the rapid progress we made in utilizing telehealth services to meet patients where they are. It's why I was proud to introduce the Telehealth Modernization Act with Congressman Carter - a bipartisan solution to extending the telehealth flexibilities that so many have come to rely on in Delaware and across the country," said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. "With its passage out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today, we are one step closer to ensuring that anyone who needs these services, especially seniors, those with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, can access the care they need when it's most convenient for them, all while lowering prescription drug costs."

"I am thrilled that the Energy and Commerce Committee came together in a bipartisan manner to extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients. Seniors, individuals with mobility issues, and those living in rural areas rely on telehealth to bring qualified health care professionals right to their home. I urge a swift House floor vote on this bill, so that we can get Medicare beneficiaries the life-saving health care they need," said Rep. Carter.

"Many of my constituents in Florida value both in-person care as well as the advantage of telehealth services. Legislation like the Telehealth Modernization Act will protect access to these technologies for Americans, especially our seniors. I applaud the Energy and Commerce committee for advancing this important legislation today," said Rep. Steube.

"So many Alabama seniors rely on telehealth for access to critical services," said Rep. Sewell. "We must ensure that they continue to get the care they need and deserve. I applaud the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing our bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Act and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed and signed into law."

"I am thrilled that the Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced the Telehealth Modernization Act, a critical bipartisan initiative to extend telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries through 2026," said Miller-Meeks. "This legislation is essential for rural Iowans and others living in underserved areas, ensuring that seniors and individuals with mobility and transportation challenges have access to high-quality healthcare from the comfort of their homes. I urge a swift vote in the House to provide our rural communities with the life-saving care they need and deserve."

"The Telehealth Modernization Act is an exciting step toward a healthier America," said Congressman Van Drew. "This bill will make a real difference for people in rural areas and those who struggle to visit a doctor's office due to mobility issues by allowing Medicare beneficiaries to access essential care from the comfort of their homes. With this bill, we are breaking down barriers to healthcare and opening up new possibilities for timely consultations and follow-ups, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to stay healthy. I am so glad to hear the Energy and Commerce Committee came together to advance this important bill, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our communities!"

"Telehealth services help ensure everyone can access affordable, high-quality healthcare-especially the most vulnerable in our community," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "I applaud the House Energy and Commerce Committee for passing the bipartisan Telehealth Modernization Act through committee and putting us one step closer to giving seniors easier ways to get the care they need and deserve. I look forward to continuing to work with my partners in Congress to pass this bill into law and make healthcare more accessible for our families."

"Telehealth services have become an essential part of our healthcare system. We all know that having to physically travel to a doctor's office can present a serious barrier to care to rural and older Americans, as well as those living with disabilities. And we saw telehealth widely and successfully adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm glad to see the Telehealth Modernization Act one step closer to becoming law to protect and expand access to telehealth for Americans who depend on it," said Rep. Dingell.

The bill boasts support from: American Telemedicine Association/ATA Action, Consumer Technology Association, Health Innovation Alliance, Alliance for Connected Care, The Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, HIMSS, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Physicians, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Rural Health Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, Federation of American Hospitals, American Heart Association, National Organization for Rare Disorders, The Alliance for Aging Research, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Society of General Internal Medicine, Endocrine Society, American Society of Hematology, AOTA, American Physical Therapy Association, College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, and Hemophilia of Georgia.

Read the full bill text here.

Blunt Rochester's opening remarks on the legislation can be viewed here.

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