The expansion of telehealth options has become critical for older Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and we support making these expansions permanent.
August 26, 2020
The Honorable Deb Fischer
Senator from Nebraska
454 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Jacklyn Rosen
Senator from Nevada
144 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senators Fischer and Rosen,
On behalf of the 2.2 million members of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), I write in support of your legislation, S. 4216, entitled the “Knowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent (KEEP) Telehealth Options Act of 2020.”
The expansion of telehealth options has become critical for our members as an organization representing seniors and emerging seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors are one of the most at-risk population to be impacted by the coronavirus. With this being a major concern for seniors and their loved ones, many have found themselves cancelling important in-person doctor appointments that help keep their long-term health in check.
The telehealth options made available during the pandemic has helped provide seniors the opportunity to stay committed to their long-term health while obeying social distancing rules during these uncertain times. These options have not only been convenient for our members but cost effective. Unfortunately, certain telehealth opportunities may be revoked after the
pandemic even with all the benefits the services provide. This legislation would help make the options permanent by conducting two studies of how telehealth has helped the public.
AMAC supports your bipartisan legislation and is confident the results of the two studies will prove the effectiveness of telehealth options, preventing them from being rescinded after the COVID-19 emergency declaration is lifted. The expansion of telehealth should become the new
normal our members have grown fond of. Saving them time and money while ensuring their longevity. We appreciate the introduction of the KEEP Telehealth Options Act of 2020.
Sincerely,
Bob Carlstrom
President,
AMAC Action
