North Texas News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), along with Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Troy Nehls (R-TX) have reintroduced a bill aimed at permanently expanding access to telehealth services for rural Americans.

The legislation seeks to extend telehealth services for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) beyond the current expiration date of December 31, 2024, as outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

Congressman Burgess emphasized the importance of telehealth, stating, "Access to telehealth services is a critical need for Americans, especially in rural and underserved areas of Texas."

Reflecting on his experience in rural eastern North Carolina, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., highlighted the challenges faced by patients who have to travel long distances to access healthcare, stating, "They face significant burdens in cost as well as time away from work. Telehealth services are critical for these rural communities."

Similarly, Congressman Derrick Van Orden emphasized the disparity in healthcare access for rural communities, stating, "Rural communities, like those in Wisconsin’s Third District, are routinely left on the sidelines when it comes to accessible health care."

Congressman Troy Nehls underscored the impact of telehealth in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in medically underserved communities, stating, "Telehealth has revolutionized our nation’s healthcare system to meet the American people’s healthcare needs."

The reintroduction of this bill aims to ensure that telehealth services remain a permanent and essential part of healthcare delivery for millions of Americans nationwide.