Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, alongside a bipartisan group of colleagues, has introduced the CONNECT for Health Act. This legislation seeks to expand telehealth service coverage through Medicare, enhance health outcomes, and simplify access for patients to connect with their doctors. The current telehealth provisions are set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress extends them.

"Telehealth is an essential part of our health care system – especially for those who live in rural America," stated Senator Marshall. "The CONNECT for Health Act is a critical step to ensure Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country – including Kansas – can connect with their doctors regardless of where they live. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to expand health care access for all Americans."

As noted by Senator Brian Schatz, the demand for telehealth has surged, but legislative changes have lagged. "Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live," he emphasized.

Senator Roger Wicker acknowledged the role of telehealth in reflecting today's digital world, noting its increased accessibility to medical care. "It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care," he remarked.

Senator Mark Warner added his support by highlighting the pandemic-influenced expansion of telehealth services. "I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it," he stated.

Emphasizing Mississippi's early recognition of telehealth's importance, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith commented, "This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services."

Senator Peter Welch pointed to the necessity of employing telehealth to tackle healthcare access issues. "This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology," he explained.

Senator John Barrasso praised the legislation's benefits for rural areas. "This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need," he said.

The CONNECT for Health Act enjoys strong support, including approval from over 150 organizations, among them the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association. Companion legislation has been proposed in the House by Representatives Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, David Schweikert, and Troy Balderson. The act, initially introduced in 2016, is recognized as highly comprehensive regarding telehealth.