David Valadao: “I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this. Telehealth is critical for rural and low-income communities like many in…”

“I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this. Telehealth is critical for rural and low-income communities like many in my district, and I absolutely support this bill. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was widely used since we were not able to see our healthcare providers in person. Even before the pandemic, many of my constituents were not able to go to their health appointments because oftentimes the office was way too far, or they did not have the transportation to get to their provider. Through this legislation, the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act, some of the healthcare flexibilities we have seen since 2020 would be extended for another 2 years. This action is very necessary, but I also believe it is in the best interests of our constituents to take these flexibilities and make them permanent. I introduced a companion bill with my colleagues that would make permanent the expanded list of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services. Congresswoman Cheney's bill is a great starting point, but I encourage my colleagues to make these flexibilities permanent so our constituents can have access to the care even after the public health emergency declaration has ended.”