It's time for action. Let's call our representatives.

Between June 15th through the end of the week, we are calling for everyone to reach out to their representatives and let them know we need legislation that supports comprehensive telehealth coverage for everyone in PA.

Click here to look up your PA State Representatives.

You can use this script to call your representatives:

“Hello. My name is _________, and my zipcode is _______. I am reaching out to let Senator/Representative ____ know how important it is that the people of Pennsylvania are able to access telehealth services. Telehealth services are often as effective as in person care but for lower costs. Telehealth services also help people get access to care who might not be able to otherwise. Because of the pandemic, the need for access to telehealthcare is higher than ever. Because of this, it is important that you pass legislation that includes:

1. A requirement for private payers to cover telehealth services (not limited to specific third-party providers)

2. A mandate that Medicaid and private payers pay the same amount for telehealth services as they would for in-person services

3. Removal of barriers to reimbursement for telehealth services in the Medicaid program

4. Strategies to make it easier for providers to offer services across state lines

5. Funding for programs and services to make internet access more available across PA

6. Funding for programs and services that help patients get access to equipment needed for telehealth services”

Why does access to telehealth matter?

Telehealth services are effective, cost-saving, and help create access to healthcare for people who might not be able to access it otherwise. But, telehealth in Pennsylvania is at risk. Temporary measures that expanded access to telehealth are set to expire mid-June and many Pennsylvanians may lose access to safe care in their homes.

Telehealth services are effective and cost-saving.

There have been many research studies comparing telehealth to in-person care, and these studies show that telehealth can be as effective as many in-person services, often for less money.

Telehealth services help people get access to healthcare when they couldn't normally get access.

People in rural areas who live far away from healthcare providers, people with disabilities that get in the way of transportation, or people who are low income often cannot get to the doctor's or therapist's office. Telehealth helps these and other groups access needed care.

The need for telehealthcare, especially tele-mental healthcare, is higher than ever.

Pandemics can harm mental health by creating greater isolation, anxiety, and depression. Healthcare workers are at greater risk for burnout. Telehealth helps people get access to needed care while they can also stay home and reduce the spread of infection.

Current legislation gets in the way of healthcare providers being able to offer telehealth services.

Unlike several other state, PA does not have needed policies to help ensure that healthcare providers get paid for telehealth services. While access to telehealth has increased because of the pandemic, this access is temporary and will go away soon if legislators don't pass additional laws.

The time to act is now. If our legislatures do not pass laws to ensure access to telehealth continues, we may lose this needed resource soon.

I want to take more actions! What else can I do?

To help with this cause, try out any or all of the actions below to help ensure everyone in PA has access to telehealth services.

I want to learn more...

That's great! Besides our Facebook page, check out these great resources to learn more about this issue:

• The Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center has lots of telehealth information and resources

• The Center for Connected Health Policy has information about research and laws on telehealth across the United States