ACCC Statement on Telehealth Extension in Omnibus Package

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) commends Congress for including the extension of Medicare telehealth waivers in fiscal year 2022 omnibus legislation passed by both chambers this week. Telehealth has become an invaluable resource for cancer care providers and their patients and has helped to eliminate barriers to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary extension of Medicare telehealth waivers and flexibilities for an additional 151 days beyond the end of the public health emergency (PHE) will ensure that Medicare patients do not abruptly loose access to telehealth when the PHE expires. Moreover, we hope this temporary extension provides Congress with the necessary time to examine and enact legislation that will permanently expand access to high-quality cancer care via telehealth.