Expanding Telehealth Under Medicare: Legislation Set to Expire at Year’s End

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, is leading the charge to ensure that the expansion of telehealth under Medicare does not expire at the end of the year. Telehealth, which allows patients to meet with doctors virtually using computers, tablets, or smartphones, has become a crucial part of American healthcare during the pandemic.

Van Orden has introduced legislation to make the expansion of telehealth permanent, citing the benefits it has brought to rural areas like his district in western Wisconsin. The Republican-backed bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to provide virtual care on a permanent basis.

Experts like Briana Rockler, an assistant professor of public health at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, believe that telehealth has proven to be effective and has improved access to healthcare for many individuals. A study by the Wisconsin Health Information Organization showed that in 2020, virtual doctor visits increased by over 2400% compared to the previous year.

Melissa Armstrong, the director of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s graduate health care administration program, emphasized the importance of telehealth in providing timely and equitable access to care, especially for those living in disadvantaged areas.

While telehealth has its limitations, such as the inability to treat certain conditions virtually and issues with internet access for some patients, the overall benefits have been clear. Van Orden is determined to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their location, have access to quality healthcare through telemedicine.

The future of telehealth under Medicare now rests in the hands of Congress, with Van Orden and others advocating for its permanent expansion to continue improving healthcare access for all.