Imagine being unable to leave your home due to severe anxiety or chronic pain—and then being told you can’t get your medication because of an outdated law.

The Ryan Haight Act (2008) was originally designed to combat online prescription drug abuse, but it has unintentionally created significant barriers for disabled Americans who rely on telehealth to access essential medications. The law requires an in-person medical evaluation before certain prescriptions can be issued via telemedicine, making it difficult—if not impossible—for many people with disabilities to obtain the care they need.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary telehealth waivers allowed more flexibility, enabling millions of Americans to access their medications safely from home. However, as these waivers expire, disabled individuals are once again facing insurmountable barriers:

Severe Anxiety or Agoraphobia: Leaving home is mentally overwhelming or impossible.
Unreliable Transportation: Insurance-covered rides often fail to show up or are canceled last minute.
Physical Disabilities: Chronic pain or mobility challenges make traveling exhausting or unsafe.
Memory or Cognitive Challenges: Conditions like ADHD or brain injuries lead to missed appointments and scheduling difficulties.
These barriers are especially harmful for rural and low-income patients who cannot easily visit a doctor in person. Advocacy groups report that many disabled Americans are already losing access to critical medications prescribed for ADHD, chronic pain, and anxiety/agoraphobia due to these outdated requirements.

With each passing day, more disabled Americans lose access to essential care that significantly impacts their quality of life. Congress must act now before even more people are harmed.

Telehealth is not a convenience—it’s a lifeline for millions of people. This outdated law unfairly penalizes disabled individuals who already face significant challenges accessing care. It also violates the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees equal access to healthcare services—including reasonable accommodations like telehealth for those who cannot attend in-person visits due to disability.

We demand Congress update the Ryan Haight Act to permanently allow telehealth prescribing for those who cannot attend in-person visits due to disability. Safeguards can remain in place while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Sign this petition today and help ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—has equal access to the care they need.