CTeL’s Push for Telehealth Expansion: Why This Moment Matters

As the Executive Director of the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL), I have the privilege of witnessing how healthcare innovation can transform lives. But with this privilege comes the responsibility to ensure that these innovations—like telehealth—become accessible to everyone, regardless of their zip code. I’m particularly excited to share the core of CTeL’s recent comment letter to congressional leadership, advocating for telehealth expansion in the upcoming reconciliation bill.

The Case for Telehealth Expansion

In our letter, we urged Senate and House leaders to take advantage of this legislative opportunity to extend Medicare telehealth access and address an increasingly problematic issue: facility fees for telehealth services. Telehealth emerged as a lifeline during the pandemic, connecting patients with their providers when in-person care wasn’t an option. But as the Public Health Emergency waivers expire, millions of seniors, rural residents, and underserved communities risk losing access to this critical mode of care.

The reconciliation bill, we argued, provides a rare chance to enact policies that remove outdated geographic site restrictions and maintain expanded eligibility for practitioners and rural health clinics. These policies would ensure that telehealth remains a cornerstone of accessible healthcare, especially for the communities that need it most.

A Data-Driven Approach

At CTeL, we believe health policy should be guided by evidence—not assumptions. That’s why we’ve committed to conducting and supporting research that examines telehealth’s cost impacts and utilization trends. Our 2021 study dispelled long-standing myths about telehealth, showing that it is largely substitutive rather than additive, with no evidence of increased service volume or fraudulent claims.

But we recognize the need for updated data. As telehealth usage stabilizes post-pandemic, we are commissioning new research to help Congress and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) better understand its long-term cost implications. Extending the PHE waivers through 2026, as proposed in the Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act, would provide the necessary runway for this research while maintaining critical access for patients.

Protecting Patients from Hidden Costs

Another pressing issue we addressed in our letter is the imposition of facility fees for telehealth visits. Imagine receiving a bill for a hospital fee when you’ve never even set foot in that hospital. This is a reality for too many patients, driven by health system consolidation and opaque billing practices.

We believe Congress should take a cue from states like Connecticut, which has enacted laws to restrict or eliminate facility fees for telehealth and off-site outpatient services. These reforms could make a meaningful difference for patients by ensuring that telehealth remains a cost-saving option rather than a hidden financial burden.

Moving Forward

Our message to congressional leaders is clear: telehealth is no longer a fringe concept—it’s a proven, indispensable tool for delivering care. By removing outdated barriers and protecting patients from unnecessary costs, we can solidify telehealth’s place in a modern, equitable healthcare system.

At CTeL, we’re committed to partnering with lawmakers, researchers, and advocates to drive these policies forward. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.

Let’s seize this moment to make healthcare more accessible, more equitable, and more effective for all.

—Christa Natoli Executive Director Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law

What’s your take on telehealth’s role in shaping the future of healthcare? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts below or reaching out to us directly at www.ctel.org.