Don’t Leave Patients Behind - Save Telehealth
The Issue
Congress recently missed the deadline to extend Medicare’s telehealth programs, and many major medical facilities are now shutting down telehealth services. This is the case for all patients - not just those on Medicare.
Telehealth saves lives - and it's disappearing.
Ending telehealth leaves patients - especially rural patients, and those with chronic illnesses, cancer, and mental illness - without access to the care they need. Studies show telehealth reduces missed appointments by 45%, cuts hospital readmissions by 30%, and increases mental health care engagement by 40%. It's crucial for patients who rely on out of region specialists, whose medical complexities prevents them from safely attending in-person visits, living in remote areas, and needing specialized care.
Individuals with compromised immune systems or other serious conditions often rely upon telehealth as a safe, effective alternative to in-person care. Beyond benefiting patients, telehealth reduces costs, eases hospital burdens, and improves outcomes by providing timely care without logistical barriers.
Ending these services isn't just an inconvenience - it puts thousands of lives at risk. Congress must act swiftly to restore and permanently extend Medicare’s telehealth programs. Lives across the nation depend on it. By reauthorizing these vital services, countless individuals facing serious health concerns can continue to receive the care they critically need.
Sign this petition now - urge Congress to restore and permanently protect Medicare telehealth so every patient can safely access the care they need.
Sources:
Health Affairs, 2021 – Survey Confirms Effectiveness of Telehealth in Rural America and Beyond
NEJM Catalyst, 2022 – Busting Three Myths About the Impact of Telemedicine Parity
NEJM Catalyst, 2022 – The Virtual Future of Health Care Delivery in Rural America
CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 2021: Telemedicine Use Among Adults
NIH National Library of Medicine, 2021: Optimizing the use of telemedicine in oncology care: post-pandemic opportunities
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The Issue
Congress recently missed the deadline to extend Medicare’s telehealth programs, and many major medical facilities are now shutting down telehealth services. This is the case for all patients - not just those on Medicare.
Telehealth saves lives - and it's disappearing.
Ending telehealth leaves patients - especially rural patients, and those with chronic illnesses, cancer, and mental illness - without access to the care they need. Studies show telehealth reduces missed appointments by 45%, cuts hospital readmissions by 30%, and increases mental health care engagement by 40%. It's crucial for patients who rely on out of region specialists, whose medical complexities prevents them from safely attending in-person visits, living in remote areas, and needing specialized care.
Individuals with compromised immune systems or other serious conditions often rely upon telehealth as a safe, effective alternative to in-person care. Beyond benefiting patients, telehealth reduces costs, eases hospital burdens, and improves outcomes by providing timely care without logistical barriers.
Ending these services isn't just an inconvenience - it puts thousands of lives at risk. Congress must act swiftly to restore and permanently extend Medicare’s telehealth programs. Lives across the nation depend on it. By reauthorizing these vital services, countless individuals facing serious health concerns can continue to receive the care they critically need.
Sign this petition now - urge Congress to restore and permanently protect Medicare telehealth so every patient can safely access the care they need.
Sources:
Health Affairs, 2021 – Survey Confirms Effectiveness of Telehealth in Rural America and Beyond
NEJM Catalyst, 2022 – Busting Three Myths About the Impact of Telemedicine Parity
NEJM Catalyst, 2022 – The Virtual Future of Health Care Delivery in Rural America
CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 2021: Telemedicine Use Among Adults
NIH National Library of Medicine, 2021: Optimizing the use of telemedicine in oncology care: post-pandemic opportunities
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Petition created on October 1, 2025