Senate Passes Schatz-Wicker Telehealth Provisions
CHRONIC Care Act, Which Includes Schatz-Wicker Telehealth Legislation, Passes Unanimously
WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate voted unanimously to pass the CHRONIC Care Act, which includes key provisions authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) that will improve access to and quality of care for Medicare patients and save costs for the federal government.
“Almost every other part of our health system uses technology to improve health and save costs. It’s long past time for Medicare to catch up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is the future of healthcare. It improves health outcomes for patients, especially those who have to make a big effort to get to the doctor’s office, and, as technology continues to advance, it will become more and more a part of our health care system. With this bill, we can make sure that Medicare patients and providers aren’t left behind.”
“Telemedicine is a cost-effective way to increase access to life-saving medical services in rural areas,” Senator Wicker said. “Mississippi’s health leaders know the difference that removing barriers to telehealth services can make and I am pleased to see that my colleagues in the Senate agree.”
According to studies, telehealth has been shown to improve care and patient satisfaction while reducing costs. The CHRONIC Care Act lifts outdated restrictions that limit Medicare from reimbursing for telehealth. The CONNECT for Health Act provisions will expand the use of telehealth in accountable care organizations and Medicare Advantage, as well as for home dialysis patients and the evaluation of an acute stroke.
In addition to Schatz and Wicker, the CONNECT for Health Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
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