“My priority is getting healthcare services to as many Arkansans as possible, and as I have seen with the spread of COVID-19 across our state and the increased use of telehealth services, telehealth can be a valuable tool for keeping Arkansans healthy, particularly in underserved areas,” said Rep. Hill. “As we learn from the use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress should provide flexibility to HHS to continue to allow telehealth usage after this national emergency ends.”

Specifically, H.R. 4932 would expand access to telehealth services by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive telehealth restrictions in Medicare under certain conditions, namely that the waiver would not increase spending or reduce the quality of services provided. The bill would also expand access to telehealth for emergency services and mental health. It also would allow rural health clinics, Indian Health Service facilities, and community health centers to serve as telehealth sites, and would allow HHS to generally waive coverage restrictions during national emergencies.

Click HERE to read the full text of this legislation.