Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Yesterday Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) joined Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee to release a discussion draft outlining a bold plan to further promote telehealth for patients.

In response to the novel coronavirus, Congress and the Trump administration have enacted an unprecedented expansion of telehealth. These temporary waivers have allowed many health care services to go virtual in order to help patients safely connect with doctors and prevent the spread of the virus by following local and state social distancing orders. This has also proved helpful in rural parts of Kansas where access to specialists may be limited.

“Rural Kansas residents are no stranger to the challenges of meeting with some specialists or receiving quick access for certain physician consultations due to limited services in their area,” said Rep. Estes. “While our rural hospitals are doing an exceptional job taking care of critical needs, many Kansans find themselves disadvantaged when it comes to specialty care. Making permanent some of the telehealth provisions that were expanded due to COVID-19 makes sense for those living in rural parts of our country, and extends access to quality care for all Americans.”

“As we continue to fight the novel coronavirus, Republicans are working to make health care more convenient and accessible for all Americans,” said Ways and Means GOP Leader Kevin Brady (R-Texas). “I want to thank all of our Members for their work on this agenda – we will continue to engage with patients, stakeholders, and policymakers as we move these bold ideas forward.”

Click here to view the full discussion draft, and here for a summary of the provisions in the discussion draft.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.