Alliance Submits Comments in response to the Health and Human Services’ Strengthen Primary Health Care RFI

The Alliance for Connected Care submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on strengthening primary health care.

The Alliance specifically commented on impact of telehealth in primary care access. The Alliance recommends the HHS to:

Prevent restrictions, such as in-person visits requirements on primary care, that prevent telehealth from effectively bridging primary care gaps, especially in areas where the primary health care workforce is already limited;
Reduce payment or practice barriers restricting the locations from which providers can offer telehealth (such as their homes) – creating greater flexibility for care that meets patient needs;
Promote additional paths to cross-state licensure and support licensure portability by convening experts and support the development of a voluntary, national framework for interstate licensure using a policy of mutual recognition;
Continue and enhance ongoing efforts to ensure equitable broadband infrastructure;
Work with Congress to continue access to pre-deductible coverage of telehealth services for HDHPs-HSAs as created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-136); and
Continue access to audio-only telehealth when clinically appropriate and needed or requested by the patient.

The Alliance believes telehealth and remote patient monitoring are a solution to improve primary care. The value of telehealth and cross-state care provides greater access to primary health care, addresses primary care access in rural and medically underserved communities, and provides patients affordable ways to access primary care via telehealth.

To read the full letter, click here or see below: