Today in Washington, D.C., the bipartisan Ensuring Access to Specialty Care Everywhere (EASE) Act was introduced by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), alongside Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR). This legislation aims to enhance rural access to specialty care providers through a telehealth virtual network authorized by the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).
Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are spearheading companion legislation in the Senate. Mullin stated, “Harnessing the power of telehealth will help address these needs and expand access to essential health care services of which many patients are in desperate need.” Padilla added, “Our bipartisan EASE Act would expand telehealth capabilities so rural communities can access specialty care, allowing for earlier intervention and reducing unnecessary emergency visits.”
Arrington highlighted the impact on rural communities, noting, “The lack of specialty care for rural Americans has resulted in worse outcomes and higher costs.” Salinas emphasized the program's origins, mentioning a successful Oregon pilot, while commending the effort to connect rural patients with specialty care providers efficiently.
The bill is joined by numerous supporters. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) noted the significance of "reducing the costs of physician visits" through telehealth. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) emphasized the need for legislation addressing serious access challenges in rural areas. Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV) remarked on the value of telehealth in mitigating Nevada's doctor shortage.
The initiative has garnered endorsements from various stakeholders, including the National Rural Health Association and OCHIN. Alan Morgan of the former stated, “The EASE Act is an innovative piece of legislation that would leverage virtual technologies to reduce wait times, overcome geographic barriers, and improve care for rural Americans.” Jennifer Stoll of OCHIN applauded the bi-partisan solutions presented.
Isabel Soto from The LIBRE Initiative shared, “The EASE Act seeks to remove barriers to health care access for families in underserved areas who can face delays of 30 to 70 days just to access basic specialty care.”
Support for the bill extends to the American Telemedicine Association, Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, and others. The legislation allows CMMI to partner with nonprofit entities, predominantly located in rural areas, to serve Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP enrollees in underserved territories.
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