FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEnJuly 23, 2026
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WASHINGTON D.C. – In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, over 200 leading healthcare organizations, patient advocacy groups, and clinicians converged on Capitol Hill today, delivering a resounding message to Congress: make Medicare telehealth coverage permanent. This unprecedented coalition, spearheaded by the Alliance for Connected Care, passionately urged lawmakers to end the cycle of short-term extensions and establish lasting statutory authority for virtual care, emphasizing its critical role in modern healthcare delivery.
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The call to action comes as current telehealth flexibilities, largely expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, are slated to expire on December 31, 2027. The memory of a disruptive lapse in coverage in 2025 still looms large, a scenario that stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum are determined to prevent from recurring. Today’s event served as a pivotal moment, drawing bipartisan congressional support and outlining a robust strategy to build momentum for a decisive legislative push in the fall.
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At the heart of the initiative is the "Telehealth Voters Pledge," a comprehensive document signed by the vast coalition, imploring Congress to acknowledge telehealth not as a temporary convenience, but as an indispensable component of equitable and accessible healthcare infrastructure. The pledge underscores the collective belief that consistent, reliable access to virtual care is fundamental to patient well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations, individuals with chronic conditions, and those residing in underserved areas.
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Main Facts: A Unified Front for Permanent Access
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Today’s Capitol Hill event, hosted by the Alliance for Connected Care, brought together a diverse array of voices—patients sharing their personal stories, clinicians detailing the benefits for their practices, and healthcare system leaders articulating the operational efficiencies and improved outcomes. The central focus was the formal presentation of the Telehealth Voters Pledge to key Members of Congress, symbolizing the overwhelming consensus within the healthcare community for immediate and decisive action.
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The Telehealth Voters Pledge
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The Telehealth Voters Pledge, available for public review at connectwithcare.org/pledge, represents a commitment from over 200 organizations to advocate tirelessly for permanent Medicare telehealth coverage. This commitment is born out of a shared understanding of the transformative impact telehealth has had since its widespread adoption. Signatories span the entire healthcare ecosystem, including patient advocacy groups like Epilepsy Alliance America, clinician associations, major hospitals and health systems, and innovative health technology companies. Their unified message is clear: the time for temporary fixes is over; Congress must act now to secure the future of connected care.
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The coalition’s dedication extends beyond mere endorsement. Leaders and signatories have committed to a series of strategic activities designed to educate and mobilize. These include ongoing voter education campaigns, direct engagement with policymakers, and the dissemination of compelling data illustrating the policy merits of permanent telehealth coverage. Crucially, these efforts are strictly nonpartisan, focusing solely on the policy imperative of ensuring uninterrupted patient access.
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A History of Uncertainty: The Telehealth Chronology
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The journey of telehealth from a niche service to a mainstream healthcare delivery method has been marked by rapid innovation tempered by policy uncertainty. Understanding this chronology is essential to grasping the urgency of the current advocacy push.
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From Pandemic Response to Policy Imperative
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare telehealth coverage was largely restricted, limited to specific services and geographic locations, primarily in rural areas. The public health emergency dramatically altered this landscape. Recognizing the immediate need to maintain access to care while minimizing viral transmission, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rapidly expanded telehealth flexibilities. These emergency measures allowed for a broad range of services to be delivered virtually, removed geographic restrictions, and permitted patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
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This unprecedented expansion quickly demonstrated the immense potential of telehealth. Patients who previously struggled with transportation, childcare, or time off work found it easier to attend appointments. Providers were able to maintain continuity of care, manage chronic conditions, and address acute needs without interruption. The experience validated telehealth’s role not just as an emergency workaround, but as a viable, effective, and often preferred mode of care for millions of Americans.
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The Cost of Lapses: Lessons from 2025
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Despite the overwhelming success and patient satisfaction, the policy framework surrounding telehealth has remained in flux. Following the initial emergency declarations, Congress has repeatedly opted for short-term extensions, creating a precarious cycle of uncertainty for patients and providers alike. This instability reached a critical point in 2025 when a previous set of telehealth flexibilities briefly lapsed.
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Chris Adamec, Executive Director of the Alliance for Connected Care, vividly recalled the repercussions: “We saw what happens when Medicare telehealth coverage lapses; real patients lost real access in 2025. Congress has the evidence, the coalition, and the runway to fix this before it happens again. There’s no excuse to wait until this care is about to expire again to act.” This disruption in 2025 served as a stark warning, causing cancellations, postponed treatments, and significant anxiety for patients dependent on virtual care. It highlighted the operational challenges faced by healthcare systems forced to adjust their service models with little notice, and the profound impact on patient health outcomes when access to care is abruptly curtailed. The coalition is resolute that this history cannot be allowed to repeat itself as the December 31, 2027, deadline approaches.
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Compelling Evidence: Supporting Data for Permanent Telehealth
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The arguments for permanent Medicare telehealth coverage are not based solely on convenience or pandemic-era necessity; they are rooted in compelling data and demonstrated improvements in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes.
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Bridging Geographic and Access Divides
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Telehealth has proven to be an invaluable tool in overcoming geographic barriers, particularly for the estimated 60 million Americans living in rural and underserved communities. In these areas, specialist shortages, long travel distances, and limited public transportation can make accessing even basic care a significant challenge. Virtual consultations eliminate the need for arduous journeys, saving patients time, money, and reducing potential health risks associated with travel. This is particularly crucial for older adults and individuals with mobility issues. As Mordy Eisenberg, Co-Founder of Tapestry Health, powerfully stated, “Telehealth isn’t a convenience, it’s infrastructure. In skilled nursing and long-term care, virtual clinical access is often the difference between a resident being stabilized in their bed at 2 a.m. or being shipped to an ED for a condition that could have been managed on-site.” His words underscore the life-saving potential of telehealth in settings where immediate, on-site specialist care might otherwise be unavailable.
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Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
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One of the most profound impacts of expanded telehealth has been on mental health services. The United States faces a severe mental health provider shortage, with nearly one in every four Americans experiencing a mental illness annually, yet only one mental health provider available for every 340 people. Tele-mental health has emerged as a critical solution, expanding access to therapy, counseling, and psychiatric evaluations, especially for those who might otherwise face stigma, logistical hurdles, or long wait times for in-person appointments.
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Debbie Witchey, President and CEO of the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW), articulated this urgency: “Allowing permanent Medicare telehealth services and repealing the mental health services in-person requirement will protect access to care and ensure individuals start or continue their care without disruption.” The ability to receive mental health support from the privacy and comfort of one’s home has demonstrably improved engagement and adherence to treatment plans, leading to better outcomes for millions.
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Enhancing Care for Vulnerable Populations
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Telehealth is not just about convenience; it’s about equitable access for those who need it most. For older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those at the end of life, virtual care can significantly improve quality of life and continuity of treatment.
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Bernadette Nunley, Chief Legal Advocacy Officer for Compassion & Choices, highlighted its importance for end-of-life care: “This access is important for ensuring that our constituencies are able to routinely check in with their clinicians without the burden of leaving home. Telehealth has been shown to expand access to palliative care specialists, hospice consultations, and symptom management, which is especially important for folks at end-of-life. Telehealth also makes the completion and periodic updating of advance care plans easier and therefore more likely.” The ability to consult with specialists, manage symptoms, and complete crucial advance care planning without the physical burden of travel is invaluable for patients nearing the end of life.
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Similarly, for the 60 million Americans living with epilepsy, consistent and timely access to neurological care is paramount. Epilepsy Alliance America, a proud signatory of the pledge, emphasizes how telehealth ensures uninterrupted medication management, follow-up consultations after seizures, and ongoing support for individuals whose condition can make travel challenging or unsafe. "For individuals living with epilepsy, continuity of care is not just beneficial, it’s absolutely essential for managing a complex neurological condition and preventing potentially life-threatening seizures," stated a representative from Epilepsy Alliance America. "Telehealth provides a lifeline, reducing barriers like transportation challenges or the risk of seizure triggers associated with travel. It ensures our community can maintain vital connections with their neurologists, receive timely medication adjustments, and access crucial support services from the safety and comfort of their homes. Permanent telehealth coverage means consistent, high-quality care, fewer disruptions, and ultimately, a better quality of life for millions of Americans managing chronic conditions like epilepsy."
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The benefits extend to routine care, as Jon Thiboutot, President of Retail Health at CVS Health, attested: “It is time for permanent Medicare telehealth policy that protects access for older adults across the U.S. and reduces uncertainty for patients and providers alike. I’m proud that CVS Health has supported these flexibilities since the pandemic – we see every day how virtual care can remove barriers to getting help. Our MinuteClinic virtual care services, including mental health support, make it easier for all patients to get the care they need in ways that fit their lives.”
Voices from the Frontlines: Official Responses and Endorsements
The diverse array of speakers at today’s event underscored the broad consensus across political aisles and professional disciplines regarding the necessity of permanent telehealth access.
Congressional Leadership and Bipartisan Consensus
The event was notably sponsored by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), long-standing champions of connected care. Their leadership highlights the Democratic Party’s commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare access. Crucially, Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) joined as a featured speaker, lending significant bipartisan weight to the initiative. Her presence from a largely rural state underscores the nonpartisan nature of telehealth’s benefits, particularly for constituents in areas with limited traditional healthcare infrastructure. This bipartisan backing sends a strong signal to Congress that permanent telehealth is not a partisan issue but a national healthcare imperative.
Patient Advocacy and Chronic Care Needs
Beyond the Epilepsy Alliance America’s powerful statement, other patient-focused organizations echoed the sentiment that telehealth is a critical enabler of consistent care. Organizations representing individuals with various chronic conditions recognize that regular, accessible check-ups are key to disease management and preventing complications. The ability to consult with specialists without geographic or logistical hurdles significantly enhances patient adherence to treatment plans and improves long-term health outcomes.
Clinical Perspectives and Provider Insights
From the clinician’s perspective, telehealth has become an indispensable tool. Chad Ellimoottil, MD, MS, Medical Director of Virtual Care at University of Michigan Health, emphasized, “Permanent Medicare telehealth policy is essential to protecting access to timely, high-quality care for America’s seniors, and we are committed to educating voters and policymakers about the need to move beyond temporary extensions and create lasting statutory authority for telehealth in 2026.” His statement reflects the widespread view among medical professionals that virtual care allows for more efficient practice management, better patient engagement, and a reduction in missed appointments.
Heidi McIntosh, MSW, Chief Operating Officer for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), highlighted the specific impact on mental health practitioners: “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) hears from social workers across the country about the importance and efficacy of telemental health. Social workers and their clients should not have to face recurring lapses in care while telehealth is not permanently extended. NASW is committed to making permanent telehealth a reality.” Social workers, on the front lines of mental health and social support, have seen firsthand how telehealth empowers them to reach clients who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Industry Stakeholders and Health System Innovation
The commitment from major healthcare players like CVS Health and the Healthcare Leadership Council signals a broad industry acceptance and integration of telehealth. These organizations have invested heavily in virtual care infrastructure, recognizing its potential to optimize operations, improve patient satisfaction, and extend their reach. The Healthcare Leadership Council stated, “Telehealth has become an essential lifeline for Americans to access care, particularly those in rural and underserved communities where getting to or even booking in-person visits can be difficult. We are committed to working with policymakers to move beyond temporary extensions and establish permanent Medicare telehealth policies that provide certainty for patients and providers to strengthen care delivery nationwide.” Their collective voice underscores the economic and operational stability that permanent policies would bring to the entire healthcare sector.
Far-Reaching Implications: The Future of Healthcare Delivery
The decision Congress faces regarding permanent Medicare telehealth coverage carries profound implications, shaping the future of healthcare delivery for decades to come.
Mitigating Disruption and Ensuring Equity
A lapse in telehealth coverage would not only replicate the disruptions of 2025 but exacerbate them. It would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations—seniors, individuals with disabilities, those in rural areas, and low-income communities—who have come to rely on virtual care as their primary means of accessing medical services. Such a setback would widen existing health disparities, creating a two-tiered system where consistent access to care depends on geography or socioeconomic status. Permanent policies, conversely, would solidify a more equitable healthcare landscape, ensuring that all Americans, regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances, have reliable access to timely medical attention. This continuity of care is fundamental to managing chronic diseases, preventing acute episodes, and promoting overall public health.
Economic and Systemic Benefits
Beyond patient access, permanent telehealth coverage offers significant economic and systemic benefits. For healthcare providers and systems, it provides the certainty needed to invest further in technology, training, and integrated virtual care models. This stability fosters innovation, encouraging the development of more sophisticated remote monitoring devices, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and enhanced patient engagement platforms. From an economic standpoint, telehealth can reduce healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary emergency room visits, facilitating earlier interventions, and optimizing resource allocation. For patients, it means reduced travel expenses, less time away from work, and overall lower out-of-pocket costs associated with accessing care. Furthermore, a robust telehealth infrastructure can enhance workforce resilience, allowing providers greater flexibility and reach, which is particularly important in addressing provider shortages in critical specialties and geographic areas.
The Path Forward: A Legislative Call to Action
The coalition’s commitment to a fall legislative push is a critical element of their strategy. By delivering the Telehealth Voters Pledge now, they are setting the stage for candidates in the upcoming 2026 elections to commit to making these protections permanent. This proactive engagement aims to make permanent telehealth access a prominent issue in electoral campaigns, ensuring that policymakers understand the widespread public and professional demand for action. The bipartisan support demonstrated at today’s event, with key members from both sides of the aisle, suggests a viable legislative path forward. The challenge will be to translate this consensus into concrete policy, moving beyond the pattern of temporary extensions and enacting comprehensive, lasting statutory authority.
Conclusion: A Unified Call for Lasting Change
Today’s event on Capitol Hill represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to modernize American healthcare. With over 200 organizations united under the banner of the Telehealth Voters Pledge, the message to Congress is unmistakable: permanent Medicare telehealth coverage is not merely an option, but an urgent necessity. The coalition’s unwavering commitment, grounded in the lived experiences of patients, the expertise of clinicians, and the strategic vision of healthcare leaders, sets the stage for a critical legislative battle. As the December 2027 deadline looms, the call for Congress to "stop kicking the can down the road" and secure the future of connected care has never been louder or more unified. The nation watches, anticipating whether lawmakers will heed this call and solidify telehealth’s rightful place as a permanent pillar of a resilient, equitable, and accessible healthcare system.
Learn more about the Telehealth Voters Pledge and the growing coalition working to make permanent Medicare telehealth a national priority at connectwithcare.org/pledge.
