HOWARD — On Thursday, Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., introduced the bipartisan Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth, or the HEALTH Act.

The bill will codify Medicare reimbursement for community health centers and rural health clinics for telehealth services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the value telehealth adds to communities across the nation, particularly in rural America. The HEALTH Act seeks to extend benefits and access of this critical healthcare medium to more seniors, regardless of their geographic location.

“As a lifetime resident of rural Pennsylvania and having spent nearly three decades as a therapist and licensed nursing home administrator, I have been amazed at how telehealth services make life easier for rural and underserved communities — particularly older Americans,” said Thompson. “The HEALTH Act will cut red tape and provide community health centers and rural health clinics the ability to offer these vital services to their patients on a more permanent basis.”

Butterfield agreed, and said telehealth access is a critical necessity.

“All patients, particularly our Medicare recipients, are in need of a solution to ensure access to telehealth services are free from undue barriers and restrictions,” he said. “That is why I am proud to join Congressman GT Thompson in introducing this vital legislation to address the telehealth needs of Medicare patients during this pandemic and beyond.”

Steve Carey, chief strategy officer of the National Association of Community Health Centers, spoke to the importance of telehealth as well.

“Telehealth has emerged as a vital tool for health centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting patients to services when restrictions prevented routine and ongoing care,” he said.