July 2020 White House Telehealth Remarks: Proposed Permanent Reforms

Historical context (July 2020): This archived report reflects remarks by then-President Donald Trump on July 16, 2020, as reported by Laura Dyrda for Becker’s Hospital Review. His direction to federal agencies to explore permanent telehealth changes was a policy statement, not enactment of permanent nationwide coverage or interstate licensing authority. Medicare telehealth rules subsequently changed; HHS states that many flexibilities are extended through December 31, 2027, subject to specific requirements. See the archived White House remarks, original July 17, 2020 reporting, and current HHS telehealth policy updates.

Then-President Donald Trump said telemedicine is a top priority for his administration and is working to make the temporary regulatory changes permanent during a July 16 news briefing. 

After the pandemic hit, the administration removed barriers that allowed physicians to work across state lines to provide telemedicine. It also made changes to temporarily boost reimbursement for telemedicine and make it more accessible for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

“I have ordered federal agencies to look for ways to make these healthcare reforms totally permanent,” he said.

CMS Administrator Seema Verma penned a Health Affairs article on July 15 outlining the areas CMS is examining to permanently expand telehealth. They include Medicare pay rates for telehealth, fraud abuse prevention and mode of delivery.

A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a bill in the U.S. House on July 16 that moves to protect telehealth services after the public health emergency is lifted and requires studying the use of telehealth during the pandemic.