Balderson introduces bill to expand, improve telehealth
Congressman Troy Balderson, in black, visited with Pomerene Hospital officials and met with numerous other health departments in the state to discuss telehealth communication advancements. The visits prompted Balderson to introduce a telehealth bill.
Ohio District 12 U.S. Congressman Troy Balderson worked with House Reps. Susie Lee, Ashley Hinson and Joe Neguse in introducing bipartisan legislation to expand and improve access to telehealth services for all Americans.
Balderson recently made a tour of many district healthcare services and came away passionate about providing rural areas with this healthcare aid.
“Better access to quality healthcare services via telehealth has been a game-changer for Ohio’s rural communities,” Balderson said. “Telehealth is helping to better connect patients and providers by reducing the need for long-distance travel for routine in-person care and consultations. I’m proud to join my colleagues to advance this healthcare innovation, which greatly benefits rural communities and children.”
The Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent Telehealth Options Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, and Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to each conduct a report and issue recommendations on telehealth.
These reports will include the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 outbreak, the uptake of those services by patients across the country, and recommendations for enhancing the quality of and access to these services. The bill also asks each entity to make recommendations for potential improvement and expansion, as well as approaches to address and prevent fraudulent activity. This data is crucial in order for Congress to legislate a permanent expansion of telehealth.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made abundantly clear that the United States needs consistent, accessible telehealth services, especially for those in rural and underserved communities,” Lee said. “I am proud to help reintroduce the KEEP Telehealth Options Act to ensure all Americans have the tools at their disposal to access the healthcare they need where they need it, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”
“A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was that common-sense telehealth options were more readily available. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan KEEP Telehealth Options Act to preserve access to critical telehealth services and break down barriers to care in rural communities. This is an important step toward ensuring that those in rural areas have the same access to care that those in urban areas do, and I look forward to continuing bipartisan work on this issue,” Hinson said.
Neguse also applauded and promoted the effort.
“For Americans in rural communities and beyond, access to expanded telehealth services helps to bridge gaps in receiving quality healthcare,” Neguse said. “The KEEP Telehealth Options Act works to develop our country’s remote care systems, enhancing critical care services for families and hardworking individuals across our country.”
Balderson was quick to point out the effort to provide quality telehealth to rural communities in particular has gained steam in its support, noting other leaders in the health community are firmly behind the idea.
“The effectiveness of telehealth to expand access to quality care for children was important before the pandemic and has become even more vital for children since the pandemic,” said Nick Lashutka, president and CEO of Ohio Children’s Hospital Association. “Telehealth is an important option for efficient healthcare delivery for a variety of health concerns and addresses factors that tend to limit care, from helping parents return to work more quickly and helping students miss less school to addressing transportation limitations and offering more convenient hours for consultations.
“In addition, we believe telehealth provides an important tool in the toolbox to addressing the provider shortages and continuing challenges with caseload in the delivery of behavioral health services at a time when we are facing a pediatric behavioral healthcare crisis in our country.”
“Ohio’s Community Health Centers applaud Congressman Balderson for his continued leadership in expanding access to quality and timely care and particularly his advocacy to ensure that the gains realized in building our telehealth capabilities during the pandemic remain in place, particularly for our under-resourced communities,” said Julie DiRossi-King, chief operating officer at Ohio Association of Community Health Centers.
“The COVID pandemic led to rapid adoption of telehealth, and it is now critical to maintain equitable access to care in the post-pandemic era,” said Dr. Skyler E. Kalady, telehealth medical director for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, families have come to rely on telehealth to overcome barriers to care.
“In addition to addressing transportation concerns, telehealth saves families time by reducing school and work absences. Patients have access to a range of services that are well-suited for telehealth, from speech and mental health therapy to chronic disease management. The KEEP Telehealth Options Act will inform policy decisions by providing valuable reports to Congress about the use and efficacy of telehealth.”
“Hospitals continue to lead efforts to deliver high-quality and innovative telehealth services across Ohio and the country, giving patients more options to receive care,” said Scott Borgemenke, senior vice president of advocacy at Ohio Hospital Association.
“Telehealth has created innovative and safe ways for hospitals and health systems to deliver patient-centered care. Making the coverage of telehealth services permanent is critical for hospitals and health systems to deliver more convenient access and care to as many patients as possible while improving satisfaction and outcomes,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, senior vice president of advocacy and political affairs at American Hospital Association.
“Expanding telehealth options allows patients to more easily connect with caregivers, regardless of where they live, to get the care they need. The pandemic demonstrated that we can use technology to improve both access and outcomes, providing care for people from the comfort of their own homes,” said Dr. Peter Pronovost, chief quality and clinical transformation officer at University Hospitals.