U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) recently proposed a bipartisan bill that would provide states with strategies to increase access to telehealth under the Medicaid program and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

“Amidst the pain and suffering that our nation has endured throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a major takeaway has been the advantage of telehealth,” Rep. Burgess said. “There is a convenience factor to not having to take time to physically transport yourself to the doctor’s office and have your child sit in a waiting room with other potentially sick patients.” 

Rep. Burgess is the lead original cosponsor of the Telehealth Improvement for Kids’ Essential Services (TIKES) Act of 2020, H.R. 8476, which he introduced on Oct. 1 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) to also require a federal review of the impact of telehealth on patient health and another review that would encourage better collaboration. 

“This bipartisan legislation will improve utilization of telehealth by requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide guidance to states on how to make the most of telehealth options in their Medicaid and CHIP programs,” said Rep. Burgess. “Additionally, it directs studies to gather data that can help inform future telehealth policy.”

If enacted, H.R. 8476 specifically would require a Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission study examining data and information on the impact of telehealth on the Medicaid population, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Burgess’ office.

Additionally, the bill would require a Government Accountability Office study reviewing coordination among federal agency telehealth policies and examining opportunities for better collaboration, including those for telehealth expansion into early care and education settings, according to the summary.

“I urge my fellow members to support this legislation that will help build upon the telehealth foundation that we have built this year,” the congressman said.

Nemours Children’s Health System has endorsed H.R. 8476.