The Alliance for Connected Care, a telehealth advocacy group, thinks the new HHS Secretary Alex Azar has what it takes to propel telehealth legislation forward, according to Politico Morning eHealth newsletter.
During his confirmation process, when asked whether he would support a provision in the Connect for Health Act — a bill that would allow the HHS secretary to waive restrictions that block telehealth use — Mr. Azar called himself a "big supporter" of telehealth and "alternative means of providing care," according to Politico.
The group has been "very encouraged" by Mr. Azar's remarks in support of value-based care, which could be advanced through remote care, Krista Drobac, the Alliance's executive director, told Politico.
"We look forward to his leadership in bringing digital health to seniors," she said.
In additional comments submitted to the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Azar elaborated that telehealth could be used to address the opioid crisis and he would work with Congress to expand telehealth and "meet the needs of rural and underserved communities."
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