Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02)
Washington, D.C. – Following yesterday’s House Ways and Means committee hearing on increasing access to care at home in rural and underserved communities, Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the Bipartisan Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act to enhance the affordability of primary care and telehealth for patients with High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs).
“Improving Americans’ health spans through preventative care will not only lengthen their lives, but will also lower their out-of-pocket costs,” said Rep. Wenstrup. “That’s why I am proud to lead the Primary & Virtual Care Affordability Act, which will build off the telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage patients to engage in preventative care by ensuring access to telehealth for those with High Deductible Health Plans.”
“Cost should never be a barrier to health care,” said Rep. Schneider. “Too often, high up-front costs discourage Americans from seeing their doctor and discussing critical health care needs, leading to delays in diagnoses and treatments, and ultimately suboptimal health outcomes. By removing the financial burden of primary care and telehealth services for individuals with high-deductible health plans, Americans will no longer have to choose between their health and their pocketbook.”
Access to care through telehealth proved to be a lifeline for Americans throughout the pandemic. Telehealth can increase access to care in areas with provider shortages and ensures that patients who cannot travel are still able to see a doctor. By allowing HDHPs to waive the deductible for primary care and telehealth, this bill increases patient access and gives patients and clinicians the freedom to choose the right care.
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