Bill could help 60% of Medicare beneficiaries who access healthcare through the IHS
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, N.M., Dist. 3, introduced the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2024, crucial legislation designed to protect access to essential healthcare services through audio-only telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries in tribal communities.
The bill seeks to extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency provision that allows audio-only telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries receiving care through Indian health programs or urban Indian organizations beyond 2024. This provision addresses the persistent challenge of access to healthcare in Indian Country where many residents face long drives to see a medical professional and millions don’t have access to reliable high-speed internet. As the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired in May 2023, IHS patients used audio only services 60% of the time and video 39% of the time.
“Not everyone has access to Zoom or the internet,” Leger Fernández said. “Indeed, the folks most in need of healthcare services don’t. Access to healthcare should not be determined by zip code or internet speed.”
She explained that audio-only telehealth is the only option for some people.
“For many tribal communities, audio-only telehealth services are a lifeline, providing vital access to medical professionals without the burden of travel,” she said. “While audio-only telehealth should not be the only way to access healthcare services, it should be protected for those who may not have other options. The Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act will ensure that our elders, families, and those living in remote areas continue to receive the care they need.”
The bill is co-sponsored in the House by Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, Ariz., Dist. 7, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, WI, Dist. 4, and Congressman Raul Ruiz, CA, Dist. 25.
Audio-only telehealth involves real-time interactive voice-only discussions between a patient and a provider, requiring only a working phone.
According to the Government Accountability Office, in 2020, 18% of people living on tribal lands couldn’t access broadband service, compared to 4% of people in non-tribal areas.
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare began reimbursing IHS for specific audio-only telehealth services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. This included allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. Although the PUblic Health Emergency ended on May 11, 2023, Congress extended this flexibility through Dec. 31, 2024, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Without further extension through this new legislation, Medicare may cease to reimburse IHS for these essential services, jeopardizing healthcare access for tribal communities.
The bill removes originating site requirements, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to remain in their homes for audio-only telehealth visits, rather than needing to travel to a healthcare facility.
By Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
