MGMA testimony on Medicare telehealth flexibilities (September 18, 2024)

September 18, 2024 
 

Re: MGMA Statement for the Record — House Committee on Energy and Commerce Markup of 16 Bills

Dear Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone:

The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) thanks you for holding this important markup examining legislation that would extend vital telehealth flexibilities for two years. The expansion of telehealth services over the past few years has provided a lifeline to patients across the nation. MGMA appreciates the Committee reviewing the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 — we strongly urge the Committee to pass legislation to keep current telehealth policies in place to ensure stability within the Medicare program.

With a membership of more than 60,000 medical practice administrators, executives, and leaders, MGMA represents more than 15,000 medical group practices ranging from small private medical practices to large national health systems, representing more than 350,000 physicians. MGMA’s diverse membership uniquely situates us to offer the following policy recommendations.

Maintaining access to telehealth services is essential to avoid unnecessary barriers to medical care such as a patient having to travel significant distances. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented numerous temporary telehealth polices in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). Prior to these policies, telehealth services in Medicare were rarely used given geographic, originating site, and other restrictions. This expansion has been a demonstrable success and allowed medical groups to continue serving their communities through the appropriate utilization of telehealth services.

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