Policies > Broadband > Section 5
Increasing Access Through Telehealth
What largely started out as a way to better serve rural communities, telehealth has developed into an essential lifeline for many during the pandemic.
Section 1:
Improving Mapping & Data Collection
Section 2:
Building New Broadband Networks
Section 4:
Promoting Digital
Skills
Section 5:
Increasing Access Through Telehealth
The rapid growth in use of telehealth (38 times higher than pre-pandemic use) is breaking down barriers and increasing access to care for many, including those impacted by transportation, work, and childcare constraints. Practitioners have seen more people taking advantage of their healthcare benefits, leading to better health outcomes such as early disease diagnosis, fewer missed appointments, and more consistent adherence to treatments. Concerns remain about how to ensure fairness in costs, access, and quality of services so that these improved outcomes can be felt equitably across the country.
Case Studies
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Connecticut: Measured Telehealth Expansion
During the pandemic, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order to expand telehealth, addressing concerns about equity, privacy, and security. Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff expressed pride in the law, noting its positive impact on community health providers and patients' ability to attend appointments and achieve healthier outcomes.
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Virginia: Medical License Reciprocity
Delegate Kathy Tran authored a bill requiring the Virginia Department of Health to report on the feasibility of establishing medical license reciprocity with neighboring states and on establishing a Medical Excellence Zone Program to utilize telehealth in rural communities. Both reports confirmed the viability of each policy and laid out recommendations to implement these efforts.
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Delaware: Expanding Telehealth
Senator Sarah McBride sponsored legislation to extend and expand telehealth in the state. The law includes provisions, such as audio-only options and a waiver for initial in-person visits, to expand access for those with disabilities and individuals in rural communities with limited access to broadband. In addition, the law enters Delaware into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact with other participating states. This is allows providers to easily obtain medical licensure in other states and increasing patient access to see specialists.
