Congress Prepares for the Next Phase of the Pandemic and Transformations in the Telehealth Industry

Government and regulatory affairs partner Libby Baney and Faegre Drinker Consulting manager Jillian Brady coauthored an article for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) following the release of the White House’s next-phase National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

The authors discuss the possible launch of a “Test to Treat” program, which would allow clinics, health centers and other facilities to test patients for COVID-19 and immediately prescribe oral antiviral medications for those who test positive.

In conclusion, the authors state that despite bipartisan differences in future COVID-19 funding relief, Congress seems to agree that benefits of Medicare coverage for telehealth services are worth exploring post-pandemic. Further, they emphasize the pressure on Congress to act as the April 16 expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency draws closer.