PAN continues to call on Congress to make telehealth flexibilities permanent
Telehealth services can help expand access to healthcare treatment and continuity of care for all patients.
While the PAN Foundation applauds Congress for further extending the telehealth flexibilities as part of the stopgap spending bill passed late last week, there is disappointment that the extension has not yet been made permanent.
And while telehealth access benefits everyone, it has a significant impact for those living in rural areas, people with mobility issues, patients with multiple chronic health conditions, and those who use it to connect to mental health services. More than 4.1 million people with Medicare used telehealth services in the beginning of 2022, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a big jump from pre-pandemic rates in 2020. Telehealth has become an expected and essential part of care delivery and must be made permanent.
“Alongside our partners and patient advocates from across the country, we continue to urge Congress to make these telehealth flexibilities permanent,” said PAN Chief Mission Officer, Amy Niles. “While a temporary extension is a relief for many, without permanent telehealth access patients are left unsure of what their coverage may look like when the extension ends after September 30, 2025. At PAN, we are committed to advocating for improved healthcare access, affordability, and equity for all so that people can live the lives they deserve.”
Permanent telehealth flexibilities should include expanding coverage of telehealth services, removing barriers to access such as geographic restrictions, expanding originating sites to include a patient’s home and other clinically appropriate sites, and removing unnecessary in-person visit requirements for tele-mental health services. In addition, these flexibilities should allow the use of audio-only equipment for a wide range of Medicare services as audio-only visits ensure that those in areas with limited or no broadband service won’t lose access to critically needed services.
Learn more about PAN’s policy position on making telehealth flexibilities permanent.
About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.3 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.