NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing on ensuring patients continue to have the choice whether to go to a doctor in person or use telehealth when appropriate and more convenient for them.

Subcommittee Chair Guthrie emphasized the importance of telehealth for seniors during the pandemic, stating, "It's been widely reported how popular telehealth has become for Medicare beneficiaries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with over 28 million seniors utilizing telehealth care in just the first year of the pandemic."

Guthrie highlighted the benefits of the flexibilities introduced during the pandemic, mentioning, "Allowing patients to consult with a provider through a simple audio-only phone call if an audio-visual connection wasn’t available." He also acknowledged the impact on rural communities, saying, "These flexibilities proved to be particularly impactful for those living in rural communities that so many of us have the privilege to represent."

Regarding the pending legislation, Guthrie expressed optimism about the long-term implications of telehealth, stating, "I believe telehealth can expand access to both primary care and other specialty providers, improve the health and well-being of patients, and eventually drive significant cost-savings across our health care system."

Guthrie addressed concerns about telehealth, mentioning, "There are often two issues raised with telehealth. First, there have been concerns about increases in waste, fraud, and abuse." He further added, "On cost, I want to remind my colleagues that the previous extension was estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to increase costs to the Medicare program by over $2 billion."

The hearing focused on examining long-term solutions to ensure access to telehealth services and the impact of extending telehealth flexibilities beyond the pandemic. Guthrie highlighted the significance of the legislation discussed, emphasizing its potential to help millions of seniors maintain access to telehealth care.

The subcommittee meeting aimed to address program integrity and cost concerns related to telehealth, with Guthrie emphasizing the importance of ensuring that any legislative measures are paid for and provide the best value for seniors.