Access to Telehealth Services Is Critical for Chronic Disease Patients:

For individuals living with chronic diseases, accessing timely, effective healthcare is crucial. Telehealth has become a vital tool, providing patients with the ability to connect with their healthcare providers without the need for travel. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions, who often face mobility challenges or live in rural areas far from healthcare facilities.

As CDC Ambassador Dustin Miller shares, having telehealth options has played an important role in managing his chronic diseases:  

“I have found telehealth to be very beneficial. Not only is it convenient, but when I am feeling too sick or in pain due to my illnesses, it makes receiving a diagnosis from a doctor a viable option. Previously, when I was too sick to drive to the doctor's or even too sick to get a ride, I would just have to reschedule the appointment for when I felt better. This would then delay treatment. Overall, telehealth has been a positive experience.” 

Recent data shows that telehealth has made a significant positive impact on patient care. 74% of physicians now work in practices that offer telehealth, and many chronic disease patients rely on telehealth services to manage their conditions, attend follow-up appointments, and maintain their health from the comfort and safety of their own homes. However, these telehealth flexibilities are set to expire at the end of 2024, putting these crucial services at risk.

Background on H.R. 8261: Preserving Telehealth Access:
The Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act (H.R. 8261) would extend essential telehealth flexibilities for Medicare patients for two additional years, through 2026. These flexibilities allow patients to receive telehealth services regardless of geographic location, use audio-only options when necessary, and access mental health services without an in-person visit.

Without this extension, many patients, particularly those in rural, suburban, and underserved communities, would lose access to the telehealth services they depend on. It is essential that we act now to preserve these life-changing options for chronic disease patients.

At the Chronic Disease Coalition, we strongly support H.R. 8261, which would help ensure that patients can continue to receive the care they need through telehealth. We encourage you to join us in urging members of the House of Representatives to support this important legislation. By doing so, we can protect access to telehealth services that have become a lifeline for so many.