AMA Urges Congress to Permanently Authorize Medicare Telehealth Access
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The American Medical Association (AMA) is urging Congress to permanently authorize Medicare telehealth services before the current waiver expires on January 30, 2026, highlighting the vulnerabilities in patient access demonstrated by a significant decline in telemedicine visits during the recent government shutdown. The AMA is also challenging the Congressional Budget Office's outdated cost assessment methods, which fail to recognize telehealth as an efficient substitute for traditional care. By advocating for a legislative framework that ensures stable access to telehealth, the AMA emphasizes its importance in enhancing patient care and achieving potential long-term savings in the healthcare system. This push underscores the critical role of telehealth in maintaining healthcare continuity and improving outcomes, particularly in light of past disruptions.
